Registered Nurse vs Veterinarian salary
In South Africa, a veterinarian earns about 37% more than a registered nurse — $43,479 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
Veterinarian$43,479/yr
- Monthly
- $3,626
- Hourly
- $21
- Range
- $30,564–$59,262
- 10-yr outlook
- +19%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Registered Nurse | Veterinarian |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $23,213 | $30,564 |
| 25th | $27,506 | $37,021 |
| Median | $31,799 | $43,479 |
| 75th | $37,046 | $51,368 |
| Senior (90th) | $42,293 | $59,262 |
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 veterinarian earn more in South Africa?
- A veterinarian earns more, at about R 711 000 per year vs R 520 000 for a registered nurse — roughly 37% (R 191 000) 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 veterinarian earns R 499 800–R 969 100 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 veterinarian about R 59 300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a registered nurse earns about R 379 600 while a veterinarian earns about R 499 800 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 veterinarian earns about R 969 100 per year.
- Are registered nurse and veterinarian 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.