Medical Specialist salary in South Africa
Gross annual earnings — 2024 · Africa · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate
Medical Specialist salary in South Africa over time
Medical Specialist salary — Africa comparison
How South Africa compares to other Africa countries
| Country | Average salary (2024) | vs South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ZAR 958,800/yr | — |
| Tanzania | TZS 51,408,000/yr | local currency |
| Nigeria | NGN 36,975,000/yr | local currency |
| Kenya | KES 3,978,000/yr | local currency |
| Egypt | EGP 1,632,000/yr | local currency |
| Ethiopia | ETB 952,000/yr | local currency |
| Ghana | GHS 467,500/yr | local currency |
| Morocco | MAD 433,500/yr | local currency |
Medical Specialist salary worldwide
Frequently asked questions about Medical Specialist salaries in South Africa
What is the average Medical Specialist salary in South Africa in 2024?
The average medical specialist salary in South Africa in 2024 is ZAR 958,800 per year (ZAR 79,900 per month, or ZAR 18,438 per week). This figure represents gross annual earnings before income tax and social contributions. Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate.
What is the salary range for a Medical Specialist in South Africa?
Medical Specialists in South Africa earn between ZAR 623,200 and ZAR 1,390,300 per year in 2024. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.
How much does a Medical Specialist earn per month in South Africa?
A medical specialist in South Africa earns approximately ZAR 79,900 per month (gross) in 2024, based on an annual average of ZAR 958,800. Monthly take-home pay will be lower after income tax and social security deductions, which vary by individual circumstances and applicable tax brackets in South Africa.
What is the entry-level Medical Specialist salary in South Africa?
Entry-level medical specialists in South Africa typically earn between ZAR 623,200 and ZAR 815,000 per year in 2024. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.
Is the Medical Specialist salary in South Africa increasing?
Yes. Based on available data, Medical Specialist salaries in South Africa have grown by approximately 19% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.
Is ZAR 958,800 a good salary for a Medical Specialist in South Africa?
Whether ZAR 958,800 per year is a good medical specialist salary in South Africa depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2024 national average — earners above this level are in the upper half of the pay distribution for this occupation. Factors that influence individual compensation include employer type (multinational vs. local), city (capital cities typically pay 10–25% more), qualifications, and years of experience.
How does the Medical Specialist salary in South Africa compare to other Africa countries?
South Africa's medical specialist salary of ZAR 958,800/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 3 countries and lower than 4 countries in the Africa region as of 2024. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.