Lawyer / Attorney vs Surgeon
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Surgeon earns 160% more than Lawyer / Attorney
Median R 130 000/month vs R 50 000/month — a R 80 000/month difference
Lawyer / Attorney
R 600 000/year
127% above SA workforce median
Surgeon
R 1 560 000/year
491% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Lawyer / Attorney | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 65 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 50 000 | R 115 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 130 000 | R 230 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
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.
Surgeon
South Africa has a severe shortage of surgeons, particularly in the public sector. Private sector demand is growing with rising medical aid penetration. International emigration of surgeons creates ongoing vacancies.
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 Lawyer / Attorney or a Surgeon in South Africa?▾
A Surgeon earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Surgeon is R 130 000/month, compared to R 50 000/month for a Lawyer / Attorney — a difference of R 80 000/month (160% higher).
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.
What is the Surgeon salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Surgeon salary in South Africa is R 130 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 55 000–R 80 000/month, mid-level pays R 90 000–R 160 000/month, and senior roles pay R 160 000–R 400 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Lawyer / Attorney or Surgeon?▾
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.