Physician vs Surgeon salary
In South Africa, a surgeon earns about 19% more than a physician — $109,462 vs $92,339 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 | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $59,097 | $70,056 |
| 25th | $75,718 | $89,759 |
| Median | $92,339 | $109,462 |
| 75th | $112,654 | $133,543 |
| Senior (90th) | $132,969 | $157,625 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician or surgeon earn more in South Africa?
- A surgeon earns more, at about R 1 790 000 per year vs R 1 510 000 for a physician — roughly 19% (R 280 000) 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 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 physician averages about R 125 800 and a surgeon about R 149 200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a physician earns about R 966 400 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 physician earns about R 2 174 400 while a surgeon earns about R 2 577 600 per year.
- Are physician 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.