Medical Doctor vs Neurologist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Neurologist earns 77% more than Medical Doctor
Median R 115 000/month vs R 65 000/month — a R 50 000/month difference
Medical Doctor
R 780 000/year
195% above SA workforce median
Neurologist
R 1 380 000/year
423% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Medical Doctor | Neurologist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 35 000 | R 65 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 65 000 | R 110 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 120 000 | R 175 000 |
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.
Neurologist
Demand for neurologists is growing due to increased life expectancy, rising stroke and epilepsy burden, and improved diagnosis of neurological conditions. The public sector faces a critical shortage.
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 Neurologist in South Africa?▾
A Neurologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Neurologist is R 115 000/month, compared to R 65 000/month for a Medical Doctor — a difference of R 50 000/month (77% 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 Neurologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Neurologist salary in South Africa is R 115 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 55 000–R 80 000/month, mid-level pays R 85 000–R 150 000/month, and senior roles pay R 130 000–R 280 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Medical Doctor or Neurologist?▾
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.