Primary School Teacher vs Registered Nurse
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Primary School Teacher earns 7% more than Registered Nurse
Median R 29 000/month vs R 27 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference
Primary School Teacher
R 348 000/year
32% above SA workforce median
Registered Nurse
R 324 000/year
23% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Primary School Teacher | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 21 000 | R 18 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 29 000 | R 27 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 45 000 | R 42 000 |
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.
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 Primary School Teacher or a Registered Nurse in South Africa?▾
A Primary School Teacher earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Primary School Teacher is R 29 000/month, compared to R 27 000/month for a Registered Nurse — a difference of R 2 000/month (7% 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 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 Primary School Teacher 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.