Professor vs Teacher salary
In South Africa, a professor earns about 67% more than a teacher — $36,018 vs $21,587 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 | Professor | Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $23,054 | $15,759 |
| 25th | $29,536 | $18,670 |
| Median | $36,018 | $21,587 |
| 75th | $43,944 | $25,146 |
| Senior (90th) | $51,869 | $28,711 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Education comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a professor or teacher earn more in South Africa?
- A professor earns more, at about R 589 000 per year vs R 353 000 for a teacher — roughly 67% (R 236 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A professor typically earns R 377 000–R 848 200, while a teacher earns R 257 700–R 469 500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a professor averages about R 49 100 and a teacher about R 29 400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a professor earns about R 377 000 while a teacher earns about R 257 700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a professor earns about R 848 200 while a teacher earns about R 469 500 per year.
- Are professor and teacher similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Education 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.