Cardiologist vs Medical Doctor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Cardiologist earns 108% more than Medical Doctor
Median R 135 000/month vs R 65 000/month — a R 70 000/month difference
Cardiologist
R 1 620 000/year
514% above SA workforce median
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Cardiologist | Medical Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 70 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 130 000 | R 65 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 220 000 | R 120 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Cardiologist
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.
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
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Cardiologist or a Medical Doctor in South Africa?▾
A Cardiologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Cardiologist is R 135 000/month, compared to R 65 000/month for a Medical Doctor — a difference of R 70 000/month (108% higher).
What is the Cardiologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Cardiologist salary in South Africa is R 135 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 60 000–R 85 000/month, mid-level pays R 100 000–R 180 000/month, and senior roles pay R 160 000–R 350 000/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 Cardiologist 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.