Medical Doctor vs Lawyer / Attorney
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Medical Doctor earns 30% more than Lawyer / Attorney
Median R 65 000/month vs R 50 000/month — a R 15 000/month difference
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Lawyer / Attorney
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Medical Doctor | Lawyer / Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 35 000 | R 15 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 65 000 | R 50 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 120 000 | R 130 000 |
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.
Lawyer / Attorney
Corporate transactional and regulatory law remains in demand, driven by M&A activity, FSCA regulation, and BEE compliance work. Employment law and commercial dispute resolution are consistently busy.
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 Lawyer / Attorney 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 50 000/month for a Lawyer / Attorney — a difference of R 15 000/month (30% 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 Lawyer / Attorney salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Lawyer / Attorney salary in South Africa is R 50 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 10 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 70 000/month, and senior roles pay R 80 000–R 250 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Medical Doctor or Lawyer / Attorney?▾
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.