Surgeon vs Registered Nurse
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Surgeon earns 381% more than Registered Nurse
Median R 130 000/month vs R 27 000/month — a R 103 000/month difference
Surgeon
R 1 560 000/year
491% above SA workforce median
Registered Nurse
R 324 000/year
23% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Surgeon | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 65 000 | R 18 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 115 000 | R 27 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 230 000 | R 42 000 |
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.
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.
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 Surgeon or a Registered Nurse in South Africa?▾
A Surgeon earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Surgeon is R 130 000/month, compared to R 27 000/month for a Registered Nurse — a difference of R 103 000/month (381% 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 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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Surgeon or Registered Nurse?▾
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.