Pharmacist vs Registered Nurse salary
In South Africa, a pharmacist earns about 62% more than a registered nurse — $51,429 vs $31,799 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 | Pharmacist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $39,859 | $23,213 |
| 25th | $45,644 | $27,506 |
| Median | $51,429 | $31,799 |
| 75th | $58,498 | $37,046 |
| Senior (90th) | $65,573 | $42,293 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a pharmacist or registered nurse earn more in South Africa?
- A pharmacist earns more, at about R 841 000 per year vs R 520 000 for a registered nurse — roughly 62% (R 321 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A pharmacist typically earns R 651 800–R 1 072 300, while a registered nurse earns R 379 600–R 691 600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a pharmacist averages about R 70 100 and a registered nurse about R 43 300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a pharmacist earns about R 651 800 while a registered nurse earns about R 379 600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a pharmacist earns about R 1 072 300 while a registered nurse earns about R 691 600 per year.
- Are pharmacist and registered nurse 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.