Nurses Salary
South Africa 2026.
Nursing salaries by registration category — from Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries to Senior Nursing Managers. Figures are gross monthly before PAYE and UIF deductions, based on the DPSA OSD for Nursing Professions circular.
Key takeaways
- ✓Public sector nursing salaries follow the OSD for Nursing Professions — a PERSAL notch scale updated annually via PSCBC collective agreement.
- ✓A newly qualified Professional Nurse (BNurs, SANC registered) starts at approximately R28,000–R32,000/month gross in 2026.
- ✓Specialist allowances for ICU, theatre, and midwifery add R1,000–R3,500/month on top of the base notch.
- ✓Public sector nurses contribute to the GEPF and qualify for GEMS medical aid — benefits with significant long-term value.
Nursing Auxiliary (ENA)
~R15,000
Entry, public sector
Enrolled Nurse (EN)
~R20,000
Public sector entry
Professional Nurse (PN)
~R30,000
BNurs graduate
Nursing Manager
R55,000+
Asst. Director level
Salary by nursing category
Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA)
Auxiliary / Nursing Assistant
Typical range
R 14 500 – R 19 000
The entry point into the nursing profession. ENAs complete an 18-month accredited programme (SAQA-aligned, NQF Level 3). In the public sector the 2026 starting notch is approximately R14,500–R16,000/month gross. Private hospitals (Netcare, Mediclinic, Life Healthcare) typically pay R16,000–R21,000/month. ENAs work under the direct supervision of a Professional Nurse.
Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Staff Nurse
Typical range
R 18 000 – R 26 000
A 2-year bridging course (or a 2-year full EN programme at a nursing college) qualifies nurses at this level. Public sector entry notch approximately R18,000–R21,000/month after the 2025 OSD adjustment. With 5+ years' experience, public sector ENs typically earn R22,000–R26,000/month. Private sector equivalents average R20,000–R28,000/month.
Professional Nurse (PN)
Registered Nurse (SANC registered)
Typical range
R 28 000 – R 45 000
A 4-year Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) or equivalent SANC-accredited diploma qualifies nurses at this level. Public sector entry under OSD is approximately R28,000–R32,000/month. A specialist PN (ICU, theatre, midwifery, psychiatry) with 5–10 years of experience earns R35,000–R45,000/month in the public sector. Private sector PNs in high-demand specialities may earn R40,000–R55,000/month.
Operational Manager (Chief PN / Unit Manager)
Charge Nurse / Ward Sister
Typical range
R 44 000 – R 62 000
Manages day-to-day operations of a ward or unit. In the public sector, this is a seniority post requiring at least 4–7 years post-registration experience. Approximate gross range R44,000–R62,000/month after 2025 OSD adjustments. Equivalent private sector role (unit manager) ranges R45,000–R65,000/month.
Assistant Director Nursing / Nursing Manager
Senior Nursing Manager
Typical range
R 55 000 – R 78 000
A strategic management role responsible for a cluster of wards or a full clinical department. Requires a management qualification and significant experience. Public sector approximate range R55,000–R78,000/month. Deputy Director (Nursing) posts reach R78,000–R95,000/month.
Speciality allowances (public sector)
Professional Nurses working in high-acuity units receive a monthly speciality allowance on top of their base OSD notch:
| Speciality | Monthly allowance |
|---|---|
| Intensive Care Unit (ICU / HDU) | R3,500 |
| Theatre / Perioperative nursing | R3,000 |
| Midwifery / Maternity | R2,500 |
| Psychiatry / Mental health | R2,000 |
| Oncology / Haematology | R2,000 |
| Paediatrics / Neonatology (NICU) | R2,000 |
| Emergency / Trauma nursing | R1,500 |
Allowance amounts are approximate figures based on DPSA OSD for Nursing Professions and DoH provincial HR circulars. Exact amounts vary by province and post level. Allowances are not pensionable earnings.
Data: DPSA OSD for Nursing Professions · PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2024 (5.5% increase) · South African Nursing Council (SANC) · See methodology
How nursing pay progression works
Public sector nurses are paid on PERSAL notch scales under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for Nursing Professions, administered by the DPSA and Department of Health:
Notch progression
Each year of satisfactory service earns one notch advancement — typically a 1–2% salary increase. Progression is automatic upon satisfactory performance review.
Promotion to a higher post level
Moving from Professional Nurse to Operational Manager (Charge Nurse) requires applying for an advertised post. You cannot be promoted automatically — there must be a funded vacant post.
Recognition of prior experience
Verified experience (including private sector or agency nursing) can be credited at appointment, placing you higher on the entry notch than a newly qualified nurse.
Annual PSCBC increases
The Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) negotiates annual across-the-board increases. The 2025 increase was 5.5%; 2026 negotiations are typically concluded by March.
Speciality allowances
Qualifying for a specialist allowance (ICU, theatre, midwifery) requires formal recognition of your speciality training and placement in that unit. The allowance is added to your PERSAL salary.
What does a nurse take home after tax?
Use the PAYE calculator to see net take-home pay for any nursing salary.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nurse earn in South Africa in 2026?
It depends on the level of qualification and sector. An Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) in the public sector earns approximately R14,500–R19,000/month gross. An Enrolled Nurse (EN) earns R18,000–R26,000/month. A Professional Nurse starts at approximately R28,000–R32,000/month and can earn R40,000–R45,000/month with specialist experience. Nursing Managers and Assistant Directors earn R55,000–R78,000/month.
What is the OSD for Nursing and how does it affect salaries?
The Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for Nursing Professions is a DPSA framework that sets salary notches, progression criteria, and benefits specifically for nurses in the public service. Introduced in 2010, it was designed to address public sector nursing shortages by aligning government salaries closer to private sector rates. The OSD is updated annually via PSCBC collective agreements — the most recent increase was 5.5% effective 1 April 2025.
Do nurses in private hospitals earn more than public sector nurses?
For mid-career and specialist nurses, private hospitals (Netcare, Mediclinic, Life Healthcare) typically pay 10–25% more than equivalent public sector OSD notches. However, private sector nurses generally receive fewer guaranteed benefits — public sector nurses contribute to the GEPF (Government Employees Pension Fund) and qualify for a government medical aid subsidy (GEMS), which have significant long-term value. Total compensation (salary + benefits) may be comparable or even favour the public sector for senior nurses.
What qualifications do you need to become a nurse in South Africa?
The entry point is an Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary (ENA) programme — an 18-month accredited course at a registered nursing college (NQF Level 3). To become an Enrolled Nurse (EN), you complete a 2-year programme. To become a Professional Nurse and register with SANC, you need a 4-year Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) degree or the equivalent 4-year SANC-accredited diploma. All practising nurses must be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
How does nursing pay progression work in the public sector?
Public sector nurses progress along PERSAL salary notches under the OSD framework. Progression is based on years of service and performance. Nurses advance approximately one notch per year upon achieving a satisfactory performance rating. Promotion to a higher post level (e.g., from Professional Nurse to Operational Manager) requires applying for and being appointed to an advertised post — progression is not automatic beyond notch increments.
Can nurses earn extra through overtime or community service?
Yes. Public sector nurses regularly earn overtime pay, which is governed by the PSCBC resolutions. Community service nurses (first year after qualification, compulsory rural placement) earn approximately R17,000–R22,000/month as a starting stipend, not a full OSD salary. Speciality allowances (ICU, theatre, maternity) add R1,000–R3,500/month in the public sector. Agency nursing through a nursing staffing agency in the private sector can earn R350–R600 per hour, making it lucrative for experienced nurses willing to work casual shifts.
Sources: DPSA OSD for Nursing Professions circular (effective 1 April 2025); PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2024 (5.5% increase); South African Nursing Council (SANC); private sector ranges from Glassdoor SA, CareersPortal.co.za job listings (2025–2026). Figures are approximate gross monthly ranges. Updated annually after the DPSA salary circular.
Was this page helpful?
Read next
All guides →Free Alternatives to the Sage South Africa Payroll Calculator
Free alternatives to Sage for South African payroll: a no-sign-up PAYE calculator for employees, plus free payroll software options for small employers.
Read guideTop Salary and Tax Calculators for South Africa in 2026
Six SA salary and tax calculators compared by use case — payslip checks, bonus tax and tax return filing, checked against the 2026/27 SARS tables.
Read guideHow to Calculate PAYE and UIF for a South African Employee in 2026
Apply the 2026/27 SARS tax tables to taxable income, subtract rebates and medical aid credits, then calculate UIF at 1% of capped remuneration.
Read guide