Chartered Accountant vs Psychologist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chartered Accountant earns 41% more than Psychologist
Median R 62 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 18 000/month difference
Chartered Accountant
R 744 000/year
182% above SA workforce median
Psychologist
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Chartered Accountant | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 35 000 | R 25 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 62 000 | R 44 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 130 000 | R 68 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Chartered Accountant
CA(SA) remains one of South Africa's most sought-after qualifications, with particularly strong demand from investment banking, private equity, and international companies.
Psychologist
Growing awareness of mental health in South Africa, combined with corporate EAP demand, is expanding the I/O and clinical psychology job market. The HPCSA internship bottleneck remains a constraint on supply.
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Chartered Accountant or a Psychologist in South Africa?▾
A Chartered Accountant earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chartered Accountant is R 62 000/month, compared to R 44 000/month for a Psychologist — a difference of R 18 000/month (41% higher).
What is the Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa is R 62 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 28 000–R 45 000/month, mid-level pays R 50 000–R 85 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 250 000/month.
What is the Psychologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Psychologist salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 20 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 55 000–R 90 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Chartered Accountant or Psychologist?▾
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.