Dermatologist vs Mechanical Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Dermatologist earns 173% more than Mechanical Engineer
Median R 120 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 76 000/month difference
Dermatologist
R 1 440 000/year
445% above SA workforce median
Mechanical Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Dermatologist | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 63 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 110 000 | R 44 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 180 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
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.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers remain in steady demand, with particular growth in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and South Africa's manufacturing sector.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Dermatologist or a Mechanical Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Dermatologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Dermatologist is R 120 000/month, compared to R 44 000/month for a Mechanical Engineer — a difference of R 76 000/month (173% higher).
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.
What is the Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 27 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 57 000/month, and senior roles pay R 58 000–R 100 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Dermatologist or Mechanical 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.