Registered Nurse vs Surgeon salary
In South Africa, a surgeon earns about 244% more than a registered nurse — $109,462 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 | Registered Nurse | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $23,213 | $70,056 |
| 25th | $27,506 | $89,759 |
| Median | $31,799 | $109,462 |
| 75th | $37,046 | $133,543 |
| Senior (90th) | $42,293 | $157,625 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a registered nurse or surgeon earn more in South Africa?
- A surgeon earns more, at about R 1 790 000 per year vs R 520 000 for a registered nurse — roughly 244% (R 1 270 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A registered nurse typically earns R 379 600–R 691 600, 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 registered nurse averages about R 43 300 and a surgeon about R 149 200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a registered nurse earns about R 379 600 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 registered nurse earns about R 691 600 while a surgeon earns about R 2 577 600 per year.
- Are registered nurse 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.