Medical Doctor vs Accountant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Medical Doctor earns 86% more than Accountant
Median R 65 000/month vs R 35 000/month — a R 30 000/month difference
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Accountant
R 420 000/year
59% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Medical Doctor | Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 35 000 | R 18 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 65 000 | R 35 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 120 000 | R 62 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
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.
Accountant
Strong and consistent demand — every entity that prepares financial statements needs an accountant. Automation is shifting routine bookkeeping to software but increasing demand for analytical and advisory accounting skills.
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 Medical Doctor or a Accountant 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 35 000/month for a Accountant — a difference of R 30 000/month (86% higher).
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.
What is the Accountant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Accountant salary in South Africa is R 35 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 15 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 28 000–R 45 000/month, and senior roles pay R 50 000–R 80 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Medical Doctor or Accountant?▾
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.