Medical Doctor vs Mechanical Engineer
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 Mechanical Engineer
Median R 65 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 21 000/month difference
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Mechanical Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Medical Doctor | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 35 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 65 000 | R 44 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 120 000 | R 75 000 |
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.
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
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Medical Doctor or a Mechanical Engineer 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 Mechanical Engineer — a difference of R 21 000/month (48% 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 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 Medical Doctor 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.