Actuarial Scientist vs Medical Doctor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Actuarial Scientist earns 20% more than Medical Doctor
Median R 78 000/month vs R 65 000/month — a R 13 000/month difference
Actuarial Scientist
R 936 000/year
255% above SA workforce median
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Actuarial Scientist | Medical Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 28 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 78 000 | R 65 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 145 000 | R 120 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Actuarial Scientist
Actuaries are in extremely short supply in South Africa, and demand from both traditional insurance and new fields (fintech, data science) is accelerating.
Medical Doctor
South Africa faces a chronic shortage of doctors, particularly specialists. Demand is high and the private sector is growing, offering strong earning prospects for qualified doctors.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Actuarial Scientist or a Medical Doctor in South Africa?▾
A Actuarial Scientist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Actuarial Scientist is R 78 000/month, compared to R 65 000/month for a Medical Doctor — a difference of R 13 000/month (20% higher).
What is the Actuarial Scientist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Actuarial Scientist salary in South Africa is R 78 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 35 000/month, mid-level pays R 60 000–R 100 000/month, and senior roles pay R 100 000–R 250 000/month.
What is the Medical Doctor salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Medical Doctor salary in South Africa is R 65 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 28 000–R 42 000/month, mid-level pays R 50 000–R 90 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 200 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Actuarial Scientist or Medical Doctor?▾
Use the Rand Tools PAYE calculator. Enter the gross monthly salary and it will calculate your exact take-home pay after PAYE income tax, UIF (1% of gross, capped at R177.12/month), and any pension or medical aid contributions.