Physician vs Registered Nurse salary
In South Africa, a physician earns about 190% more than a registered nurse — $92,339 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 | Physician | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $59,097 | $23,213 |
| 25th | $75,718 | $27,506 |
| Median | $92,339 | $31,799 |
| 75th | $112,654 | $37,046 |
| Senior (90th) | $132,969 | $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 or registered nurse earn more in South Africa?
- A physician earns more, at about R 1 510 000 per year vs R 520 000 for a registered nurse — roughly 190% (R 990 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A physician typically earns R 966 400–R 2 174 400, 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 averages about R 125 800 and a registered nurse about R 43 300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a physician earns about R 966 400 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 earns about R 2 174 400 while a registered nurse earns about R 691 600 per year.
- Are physician 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.