Optometrist vs Surgeon salary
In South Africa, a surgeon earns about 115% more than a optometrist — $109,462 vs $50,817 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is ZAR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $37,095 | $70,056 |
| 25th | $43,956 | $89,759 |
| Median | $50,817 | $109,462 |
| 75th | $59,201 | $133,543 |
| Senior (90th) | $67,585 | $157,625 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or surgeon earn more in South Africa?
- A surgeon earns more, at about R 1 790 000 per year vs R 831 000 for a optometrist — roughly 115% (R 959 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A optometrist typically earns R 606 600–R 1 105 200, while a surgeon earns R 1 145 600–R 2 577 600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about R 69 300 and a surgeon about R 149 200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a optometrist earns about R 606 600 while a surgeon earns about R 1 145 600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a optometrist earns about R 1 105 200 while a surgeon earns about R 2 577 600 per year.
- Are optometrist and surgeon similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.