Primary School Teacher vs Cardiologist
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Cardiologist earns 366% more than Primary School Teacher
Median R 135 000/month vs R 29 000/month — a R 106 000/month difference
Primary School Teacher
R 348 000/year
32% above SA workforce median
Cardiologist
R 1 620 000/year
514% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Primary School Teacher | Cardiologist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 21 000 | R 70 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 29 000 | R 130 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 45 000 | R 220 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Primary School Teacher
South Africa faces significant teacher shortages in Maths, Science, and Technology subjects. DBE has committed to filling thousands of vacant posts annually. Teacher attrition and emigration create ongoing demand in both public and private sectors.
Cardiologist
Demand for cardiologists in South Africa is rising due to increasing cardiovascular disease incidence. The public sector faces a critical shortage, while private demand is driven by growing medical aid uptake.
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 Primary School Teacher or a Cardiologist in South Africa?▾
A Cardiologist earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Cardiologist is R 135 000/month, compared to R 29 000/month for a Primary School Teacher — a difference of R 106 000/month (366% higher).
What is the Primary School Teacher salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Primary School Teacher salary in South Africa is R 29 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 24 000/month, mid-level pays R 24 000–R 35 000/month, and senior roles pay R 35 000–R 60 000/month.
What is the Cardiologist salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Cardiologist salary in South Africa is R 135 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 60 000–R 85 000/month, mid-level pays R 100 000–R 180 000/month, and senior roles pay R 160 000–R 350 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Primary School Teacher or Cardiologist?▾
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.