Chemical Engineer vs Dermatologist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Dermatologist earns 140% more than Chemical Engineer
Median R 120 000/month vs R 50 000/month — a R 70 000/month difference
Chemical Engineer
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Dermatologist
R 1 440 000/year
445% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Chemical Engineer | Dermatologist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 25 000 | R 63 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 50 000 | R 110 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 82 000 | R 180 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers with mining, water treatment, and green hydrogen expertise are especially sought after as SA transitions its energy and industrial base.
Dermatologist
South Africa has a severe shortage of dermatologists — demand far exceeds supply. This shortage is projected to persist due to the long training pipeline and high emigration rates among qualified specialists.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Chemical Engineer or a Dermatologist in South Africa?▾
A Dermatologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Dermatologist is R 120 000/month, compared to R 50 000/month for a Chemical Engineer — a difference of R 70 000/month (140% higher).
What is the Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chemical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 20 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 65 000/month, and senior roles pay R 65 000–R 110 000/month.
What is the Dermatologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Dermatologist salary in South Africa is R 120 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 55 000–R 75 000/month, mid-level pays R 85 000–R 145 000/month, and senior roles pay R 130 000–R 280 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Chemical Engineer or Dermatologist?▾
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.