Traffic Officer vs Surgeon
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Surgeon earns 767% more than Traffic Officer
Median R 130 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 115 000/month difference
Traffic Officer
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Surgeon
R 1 560 000/year
491% above SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Traffic Officer | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 9 500 | R 65 000 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 15 000 | R 115 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 28 000 | R 230 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Traffic Officer
Traffic officer employment is stable — demand is driven by municipal road safety mandates — but salary growth is modest and closely tied to government wage agreements.
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.
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 Traffic Officer or a Surgeon in South Africa?▾
A Surgeon earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Surgeon is R 130 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Traffic Officer — a difference of R 115 000/month (767% higher).
What is the Traffic Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Traffic Officer salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 7 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 40 000/month.
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.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Traffic Officer or Surgeon?▾
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.