Civil Engineer vs Medical Doctor
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Medical Doctor earns 48% more than Civil Engineer
Median R 65 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 21 000/month difference
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Civil Engineer | Medical Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 22 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 65 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 75 000 | R 120 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Civil Engineer
South Africa's infrastructure backlog and government's infrastructure investment commitments mean consistent demand for civil engineers through the decade.
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 Civil Engineer or a Medical Doctor in South Africa?▾
A Medical Doctor earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Medical Doctor is R 65 000/month, compared to R 44 000/month for a Civil Engineer — a difference of R 21 000/month (48% higher).
What is the Civil Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Civil Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 58 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/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 Civil Engineer 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.