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Healthcare & MedicalUpdated April 2026

Cardiologist Salary in South Africa (2026)

Cardiologists are among the highest-paid medical specialists in South Africa. Interventional cardiologists in private practice are particularly well compensated, given the high procedural complexity and demand for cardiac care in an ageing population.

R 135 000/ month median· R 1 620 000 / year

514% above the SA employed workforce median of R 22 000/month

R60k
entryR70k
25thR135k
medianR220k
75thR350k
senior

Entry-level

R 70 000

Cardiology registrar

Mid-level

R 130 000

Newly qualified / associate

Senior

R 220 000

Established private practice (5+ yrs)

Salary by experience

Gross monthly, before tax

Each bar shows the typical range; the dark line is the median.

Entry-levelCardiology registrar
R 70 000median
R 60 000R 85 000
Mid-levelNewly qualified / associate
R 130 000median
R 100 000R 180 000
SeniorEstablished private practice (5+ yrs)
R 220 000median
R 160 000R 350 000
Range MedianScale: R 60 000 – R 350 000
Sector: Private practice cardiologists earn 2–4× public sector counterparts. Interventional cardiologists (who perform angioplasties, stent insertions) earn more than non-interventional cardiologists due to procedural billing.
Location: Johannesburg and Cape Town have the highest demand and patient volumes for cardiology. Private hospitals in Sandton, Morningside, and the Atlantic Seaboard offer the best remuneration packages.

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See exactly what R 135 000/month looks like after PAYE, UIF, and medical aid.

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What affects Cardiologist salary?

✓Interventional vs non-interventional — procedural cardiologists earn significantly more
✓Public vs private sector — private pays 2–4× public sector
✓Practice size and referral network
✓Medical aid contracted rates — larger schemes pay more per procedure
✓Sub-specialisation (electrophysiology, heart failure, paediatric cardiology)

Career outlook 2026

Demand for cardiologists in South Africa is rising due to increasing cardiovascular disease incidence. The public sector faces a critical shortage, while private demand is driven by growing medical aid uptake.

How to qualify as a Cardiologist

Entry requirements, study paths, professional registration, and bursaries.

Minimum entry requirement

NSC (Matric) with Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences — all at high level

APS 36+minimum APS required
Check your APS score →

Qualification paths

Degree

MBChB

⏱ 6 yearsAPS 36–42
Training

Internship + Community Service

⏱ 2 years
Postgrad

Internal Medicine registrarship (MMed Int Med / FCP)

⏱ 4 years
Postgrad

Cardiology subspecialty (FC Cardiol / MMed Cardiol)

⏱ 2–3 years

Accepted into cardiology sub-specialty posts is very competitive in SA

HPCSA

Health Professions Council of South Africa

HPCSA registration as a specialist in cardiology required to practice

Time to qualify

~15 years from matric to independent specialist cardiologist

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cardiologist earn in South Africa?

A cardiology registrar earns R60,000–R85,000/month. Newly qualified cardiologists in private practice typically earn R100,000–R180,000/month. Senior private cardiologists with an established practice earn R160,000–R350,000+/month.

How long does it take to become a cardiologist in South Africa?

MBChB (6 years) + internship (1 year) + community service (1 year) + internal medicine registrarship (4 years) + cardiology subspecialty (2–3 years) = approximately 14–15 years from matric.

What is the difference between interventional and non-interventional cardiology salary?

Interventional cardiologists perform procedures (angioplasty, stenting, TAVI) and bill procedure fees in addition to consultation fees. This typically adds R50,000–R150,000/month to income compared to a non-interventional consultant in the same practice.

Data source: DPSA Salary Scales 2025/2026; South African Heart Association; SAMA · Last updated: April 2026

Salary figures are gross monthly estimates. Individual pay varies by employer, province, experience, and negotiation.

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