Registered Nurse vs Metro Police Officer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Registered Nurse earns 59% more than Metro Police Officer
Median R 27 000/month vs R 17 000/month — a R 10 000/month difference
Registered Nurse
R 324 000/year
23% above SA workforce median
Metro Police Officer
R 204 000/year
23% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Registered Nurse | Metro Police Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 18 500 | R 10 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 27 000 | R 17 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 42 000 | R 35 000 |
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.
Metro Police Officer
Metro police services are expanding as SA municipalities tackle traffic and public safety challenges, providing stable employment with modest growth.
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 Metro Police Officer in South Africa?▾
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Registered Nurse is R 27 000/month, compared to R 17 000/month for a Metro Police Officer — a difference of R 10 000/month (59% 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 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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Registered Nurse or Metro Police Officer?▾
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.