Metro Police Officer vs Pharmacist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Pharmacist earns 135% more than Metro Police Officer
Median R 40 000/month vs R 17 000/month — a R 23 000/month difference
Metro Police Officer
R 204 000/year
23% below SA workforce median
Pharmacist
R 480 000/year
82% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Metro Police Officer | Pharmacist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 10 500 | R 27 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 17 000 | R 40 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 35 000 | R 62 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Metro Police Officer
Metro police services are expanding as SA municipalities tackle traffic and public safety challenges, providing stable employment with modest growth.
Pharmacist
Stable demand — pharmacist posts are consistently advertised across South Africa. Retail pharmacy expansion and the rollout of the NHI are expected to increase demand, particularly for clinical pharmacists in public-sector hospitals.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Metro Police Officer or a Pharmacist in South Africa?▾
A Pharmacist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Pharmacist is R 40 000/month, compared to R 17 000/month for a Metro Police Officer — a difference of R 23 000/month (135% higher).
What is the Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa is R 17 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 8 000–R 14 000/month, mid-level pays R 14 000–R 22 000/month, and senior roles pay R 25 000–R 55 000/month.
What is the Pharmacist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Pharmacist salary in South Africa is R 40 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 22 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 50 000/month, and senior roles pay R 50 000–R 80 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Metro Police Officer or Pharmacist?▾
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.