Physician Assistant vs Registered Nurse salary
In South Africa, a physician assistant earns about 70% more than a registered nurse — $53,936 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
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Healthcare
Physician Assistant$53,936/yr
- Monthly
- $4,495
- Hourly
- $26
- Range
- $39,376–$71,737
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician Assistant | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $39,376 | $23,213 |
| 25th | $46,653 | $27,506 |
| Median | $53,936 | $31,799 |
| 75th | $62,834 | $37,046 |
| Senior (90th) | $71,737 | $42,293 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician assistant or registered nurse earn more in South Africa?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about R 882 000 per year vs R 520 000 for a registered nurse — roughly 70% (R 362 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A physician assistant typically earns R 643 900–R 1 173 100, 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 physician assistant averages about R 73 500 and a registered nurse about R 43 300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a physician assistant earns about R 643 900 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 physician assistant earns about R 1 173 100 while a registered nurse earns about R 691 600 per year.
- Are physician assistant 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.