Psychologist vs Chartered Accountant
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Chartered Accountant earns 41% more than Psychologist
Median R 62 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 18 000/month difference
Psychologist
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Chartered Accountant
R 744 000/year
182% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Psychologist | Chartered Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 25 000 | R 35 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 44 000 | R 62 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 68 000 | R 130 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Psychologist
Growing awareness of mental health in South Africa, combined with corporate EAP demand, is expanding the I/O and clinical psychology job market. The HPCSA internship bottleneck remains a constraint on supply.
Chartered Accountant
CA(SA) remains one of South Africa's most sought-after qualifications, with particularly strong demand from investment banking, private equity, and international companies.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Psychologist or a Chartered Accountant in South Africa?▾
A Chartered Accountant earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Chartered Accountant is R 62 000/month, compared to R 44 000/month for a Psychologist — a difference of R 18 000/month (41% higher).
What is the Psychologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Psychologist salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 20 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 55 000/month, and senior roles pay R 55 000–R 90 000/month.
What is the Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Chartered Accountant salary in South Africa is R 62 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 28 000–R 45 000/month, mid-level pays R 50 000–R 85 000/month, and senior roles pay R 90 000–R 250 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Psychologist or Chartered Accountant?▾
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.