Surgeon salary in South Africa
Gross annual earnings — 2024 · Africa · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate
Surgeon salary in South Africa over time
Surgeon salary — Africa comparison
How South Africa compares to other Africa countries
| Country | Average salary (2024) | vs South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ZAR 1,128,000/yr | — |
| Tanzania | TZS 60,480,000/yr | local currency |
| Nigeria | NGN 43,500,000/yr | local currency |
| Kenya | KES 4,680,000/yr | local currency |
| Egypt | EGP 1,920,000/yr | local currency |
| Ethiopia | ETB 1,120,000/yr | local currency |
| Ghana | GHS 550,000/yr | local currency |
| Morocco | MAD 510,000/yr | local currency |
Surgeon salary worldwide
Frequently asked questions about Surgeon salaries in South Africa
What is the average Surgeon salary in South Africa in 2024?
The average surgeon salary in South Africa in 2024 is ZAR 1,128,000 per year (ZAR 94,000 per month, or ZAR 21,692 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 Surgeon in South Africa?
Surgeons in South Africa earn between ZAR 733,200 and ZAR 1,635,600 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 Surgeon earn per month in South Africa?
A surgeon in South Africa earns approximately ZAR 94,000 per month (gross) in 2024, based on an annual average of ZAR 1,128,000. 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 Surgeon salary in South Africa?
Entry-level surgeons in South Africa typically earn between ZAR 733,200 and ZAR 958,800 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 Surgeon salary in South Africa increasing?
Yes. Based on available data, Surgeon salaries in South Africa have grown by approximately 19% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.
Is ZAR 1,128,000 a good salary for a Surgeon in South Africa?
Whether ZAR 1,128,000 per year is a good surgeon 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 Surgeon salary in South Africa compare to other Africa countries?
South Africa's surgeon salary of ZAR 1,128,000/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.