Registered Nurse vs Computer Science Graduate
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Computer Science Graduate earns 19% more than Registered Nurse
Median R 32 000/month vs R 27 000/month — a R 5 000/month difference
Registered Nurse
R 324 000/year
23% above SA workforce median
Computer Science Graduate
R 384 000/year
45% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Registered Nurse | Computer Science Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 18 500 | R 16 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 27 000 | R 32 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 42 000 | R 55 000 |
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.
Computer Science Graduate
Computer science graduates remain in strong demand across all sectors, with cybersecurity and cloud engineering being particularly short-staffed in South Africa.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Registered Nurse or a Computer Science Graduate in South Africa?▾
A Computer Science Graduate earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Computer Science Graduate is R 32 000/month, compared to R 27 000/month for a Registered Nurse — a difference of R 5 000/month (19% 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 Computer Science Graduate salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Computer Science Graduate salary in South Africa is R 32 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 13 000–R 20 000/month, mid-level pays R 25 000–R 45 000/month, and senior roles pay R 45 000–R 75 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Registered Nurse or Computer Science Graduate?▾
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.