Surgeon vs Civil Engineer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Surgeon earns 195% more than Civil Engineer
Median R 130 000/month vs R 44 000/month — a R 86 000/month difference
Surgeon
R 1 560 000/year
491% above SA workforce median
Civil Engineer
R 528 000/year
100% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Surgeon | Civil Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 65 000 | R 22 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 115 000 | R 44 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 230 000 | R 75 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Surgeon
South Africa has a severe shortage of surgeons, particularly in the public sector. Private sector demand is growing with rising medical aid penetration. International emigration of surgeons creates ongoing vacancies.
Civil Engineer
South Africa's infrastructure backlog and government's infrastructure investment commitments mean consistent demand for civil engineers through the decade.
See your actual take-home pay
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Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Surgeon or a Civil Engineer in South Africa?▾
A Surgeon earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Surgeon is R 130 000/month, compared to R 44 000/month for a Civil Engineer — a difference of R 86 000/month (195% higher).
What is the Surgeon salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Surgeon salary in South Africa is R 130 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 55 000–R 80 000/month, mid-level pays R 90 000–R 160 000/month, and senior roles pay R 160 000–R 400 000/month.
What is the Civil Engineer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Civil Engineer salary in South Africa is R 44 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 28 000/month, mid-level pays R 35 000–R 58 000/month, and senior roles pay R 60 000–R 100 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Surgeon or Civil Engineer?▾
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.