Pharmacist vs Traffic Officer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Pharmacist earns 167% more than Traffic Officer
Median R 40 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 25 000/month difference
Pharmacist
R 480 000/year
82% above SA workforce median
Traffic Officer
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Pharmacist | Traffic Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 27 000 | R 9 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 40 000 | R 15 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 62 000 | R 28 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
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.
Traffic Officer
Traffic officer employment is stable — demand is driven by municipal road safety mandates — but salary growth is modest and closely tied to government wage agreements.
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 Pharmacist or a Traffic Officer in South Africa?▾
A Pharmacist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Pharmacist is R 40 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Traffic Officer — a difference of R 25 000/month (167% higher).
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.
What is the Traffic Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Traffic Officer salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 7 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 40 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Pharmacist or Traffic 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.