Engineer vs Dermatologist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Dermatologist earns 131% more than Engineer
Median R 120 000/month vs R 52 000/month — a R 68 000/month difference
Engineer
R 624 000/year
136% above SA workforce median
Dermatologist
R 1 440 000/year
445% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Engineer | Dermatologist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 25 000 | R 63 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 52 000 | R 110 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 92 000 | R 180 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Engineer
South Africa faces a structural shortage of experienced engineers, particularly in electrical and civil disciplines. Government infrastructure spend and renewable energy projects are driving demand into the late 2020s.
Dermatologist
South Africa has a severe shortage of dermatologists — demand far exceeds supply. This shortage is projected to persist due to the long training pipeline and high emigration rates among qualified specialists.
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 Engineer or a Dermatologist in South Africa?▾
A Dermatologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Dermatologist is R 120 000/month, compared to R 52 000/month for a Engineer — a difference of R 68 000/month (131% higher).
What is the Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Engineer salary in South Africa is R 52 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 38 000–R 70 000/month, and senior roles pay R 70 000–R 130 000/month.
What is the Dermatologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Dermatologist salary in South Africa is R 120 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 55 000–R 75 000/month, mid-level pays R 85 000–R 145 000/month, and senior roles pay R 130 000–R 280 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Engineer or Dermatologist?▾
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.