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Healthcare & MedicalUpdated April 2026

Dermatologist Salary in South Africa (2026)

Dermatologists in South Africa are in high demand and short supply — there are fewer than 300 registered dermatologists for a population of 60 million. Private practice dermatologists earn significantly more than their public sector counterparts.

R 120 000/ month median· R 1 440 000 / year

445% above the SA employed workforce median of R 22 000/month

R55k
entryR63k
25thR120k
medianR180k
75thR280k
senior

Entry-level

R 63 000

Dermatology registrar

Mid-level

R 110 000

Newly qualified / associate

Senior

R 180 000

Established private practice (5+ yrs)

Salary by experience

Gross monthly, before tax

Each bar shows the typical range; the dark line is the median.

Entry-levelDermatology registrar
R 63 000median
R 55 000R 75 000
Mid-levelNewly qualified / associate
R 110 000median
R 85 000R 145 000
SeniorEstablished private practice (5+ yrs)
R 180 000median
R 130 000R 280 000
Range MedianScale: R 55 000 – R 280 000
Sector: Dermatologists performing cosmetic procedures (Botox, fillers, laser) in addition to clinical dermatology can earn at the top of the range. Private sector pay is 2–3× public sector.
Location: Cape Town and Johannesburg have the densest private dermatology markets and highest patient volumes.

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See exactly what R 120 000/month looks like after PAYE, UIF, and medical aid.

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What affects Dermatologist salary?

✓Clinical vs cosmetic focus — cosmetic dermatology significantly increases earning potential
✓Public vs private sector
✓Practice location and patient demographics
✓Medical aid contracted rates
✓Subspecialisation (paediatric dermatology, dermato-oncology)

Career outlook 2026

South Africa has a severe shortage of dermatologists — demand far exceeds supply. This shortage is projected to persist due to the long training pipeline and high emigration rates among qualified specialists.

How to qualify as a Dermatologist

Entry requirements, study paths, professional registration, and bursaries.

Minimum entry requirement

NSC (Matric) with Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences

APS 36+minimum APS required
Check your APS score →

Qualification paths

Degree

MBChB

⏱ 6 yearsAPS 36–42
Training

Internship + Community Service

⏱ 2 years
Postgrad

Dermatology registrarship (MMed / FC Derm)

⏱ 4 years

Post count is very limited in SA — highly competitive

HPCSA

Health Professions Council of South Africa

HPCSA registration as specialist dermatologist required

Time to qualify

~12 years from matric to specialist dermatologist

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dermatologist earn in South Africa?

A dermatology registrar earns R55,000–R75,000/month in the public sector. Newly qualified private dermatologists earn R85,000–R145,000/month. Established dermatologists with their own practice earn R130,000–R280,000+/month.

How long does it take to become a dermatologist in South Africa?

MBChB (6 years) + internship (1 year) + community service (1 year) + dermatology registrarship (4 years) = approximately 12 years from matric.

Is dermatology a competitive specialty in South Africa?

Yes — dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties in SA due to the high earning potential and lifestyle considerations. Registrar posts are few and selection is very competitive.

Data source: DPSA Salary Scales 2025/2026; Dermatological Society of South Africa; SAMA · Last updated: April 2026

Salary figures are gross monthly estimates. Individual pay varies by employer, province, experience, and negotiation.

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