Cardiologist vs Highest Paid Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Cardiologist earns 88% more than Highest Paid Engineer
Median R 135 000/month vs R 72 000/month — a R 63 000/month difference
Cardiologist
R 1 620 000/year
514% above SA workforce median
Highest Paid Engineer
R 864 000/year
227% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Cardiologist | Highest Paid Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 70 000 | R 30 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 130 000 | R 72 000 |
| 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.
Highest Paid Engineer
Mining and renewable energy engineering in South Africa will see strong demand through the 2020s — the country's infrastructure backlog, Eskom's restructuring, and resource export growth all point to above-average demand for experienced engineers.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Cardiologist or a Highest Paid Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Cardiologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Cardiologist is R 135 000/month, compared to R 72 000/month for a Highest Paid Engineer — a difference of R 63 000/month (88% 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 Highest Paid Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Highest Paid Engineer salary in South Africa is R 72 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 38 000/month, mid-level pays R 55 000–R 95 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 180 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Cardiologist or Highest Paid Engineer?▾
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.