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Director vs Cardiologist
Salary Comparison.

Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.

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Director earns 4% more than Cardiologist

Median R 140 000/month vs R 135 000/month — a R 5 000/month difference

Higher earner

Director

R140k/month

R 1 680 000/year

536% above SA workforce median

Cardiologist

R135k/month

R 1 620 000/year

514% above SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelDirectorCardiologist
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 100 000R 70 000
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 165 000R 130 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 310 000R 220 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Director
R 100 000
Cardiologist
R 70 000

Mid-level

Director
R 165 000
Cardiologist
R 130 000

Senior

Director
R 310 000
Cardiologist
R 220 000
DirectorCardiologist

Key differences

Director

Salary rangeR80kR500k
MedianR 140 000/month
Annual (median)R1.7m

Competition for proven executive directors in South Africa is intense. The pool of experienced directors with strong track records is small relative to corporate demand.

Full Director salary guide →

Cardiologist

Salary rangeR60kR350k
MedianR 135 000/month
Annual (median)R1.6m

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.

Full Cardiologist salary guide →

See your actual take-home pay

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Director or a Cardiologist in South Africa?

A Director earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Director is R 140 000/month, compared to R 135 000/month for a Cardiologist — a difference of R 5 000/month (4% higher).

What is the Director salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median Director salary in South Africa is R 140 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 80 000–R 130 000/month, mid-level pays R 130 000–R 220 000/month, and senior roles pay R 220 000–R 500 000/month.

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.

How do I calculate take-home pay for a Director or Cardiologist?

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.

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