Registered Nurse vs Cardiologist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Cardiologist earns 400% more than Registered Nurse
Median R 135 000/month vs R 27 000/month — a R 108 000/month difference
Registered Nurse
R 324 000/year
23% above SA workforce median
Cardiologist
R 1 620 000/year
514% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Registered Nurse | Cardiologist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 18 500 | R 70 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 27 000 | R 130 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 42 000 | R 220 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Registered Nurse
Strong demand — the DoH estimates South Africa is short more than 40,000 nurses; private hospital expansion and emigration of SA nurses to the UK and Australia keep local shortages acute.
Cardiologist
Demand for cardiologists in South Africa is rising due to increasing cardiovascular disease incidence. The public sector faces a critical shortage, while private demand is driven by growing medical aid uptake.
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 Registered Nurse or a Cardiologist in South Africa?▾
A Cardiologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Cardiologist is R 135 000/month, compared to R 27 000/month for a Registered Nurse — a difference of R 108 000/month (400% higher).
What is the Registered Nurse salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Registered Nurse salary in South Africa is R 27 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 15 000–R 22 000/month, mid-level pays R 22 000–R 35 000/month, and senior roles pay R 35 000–R 55 000/month.
What is the Cardiologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Cardiologist salary in South Africa is R 135 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 60 000–R 85 000/month, mid-level pays R 100 000–R 180 000/month, and senior roles pay R 160 000–R 350 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Registered Nurse or Cardiologist?▾
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.