South Africa’s healthcare system includes a wide range of medical professionals, from general practitioners to highly specialized consultants. Medical doctors in South Africa typically earn salaries based on their level of experience, field of specialization, and whether they work in the public or private sector.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of doctors in South Africa and their expected earnings as of 2025.
Types Of Doctors In South Africa
1. General Practitioner (GP)
Role: Provides primary care services, diagnosing common illnesses and referring patients when necessary.
- Public Sector Salary (2025): R500,000 – R900,000 per year
- Private Practice Income: R600,000 – R2,000,000+ per year (depending on location and clientele)
2. Family Physician
Role: Specializes in long-term care for families, treating chronic and acute conditions.
- Public Sector Salary: R650,000 – R1,100,000
- Private Sector Income: R700,000 – R2,000,000
3. Pediatrician
Role: Diagnoses and treats illnesses in infants, children, and adolescents.
- Public Hospital Salary: R750,000 – R1,200,000
- Private Sector: R1,000,000 – R3,000,000
4. Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Role: Specializes in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
- Public Sector Salary: R850,000 – R1,400,000
- Private Practice: R1,500,000 – R3,500,000
5. Surgeon (General)
Role: Performs surgeries for a wide range of medical conditions.
- Public Sector: R1,000,000 – R1,800,000
- Private Sector: R2,000,000 – R5,000,000
6. Cardiologist
Role: Treats diseases and disorders of the heart and circulatory system.
- Public Hospital Salary: R1,200,000 – R1,900,000
- Private Income: R2,500,000 – R5,500,000
7. Neurologist
Role: Diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain and nervous system.
- Public Sector: R1,200,000 – R1,800,000
- Private Sector: R2,000,000 – R4,500,000
8. Psychiatrist
Role: Specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
- Public Sector: R900,000 – R1,500,000
- Private Practice: R1,500,000 – R3,500,000
9. Dermatologist
Role: Focuses on skin, hair, and nail disorders.
- Public Sector: R850,000 – R1,300,000
- Private Sector: R1,800,000 – R3,500,000
10. Oncologist
Role: Treats patients with cancer using chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies.
- Public Salary: R1,000,000 – R1,700,000
- Private Practice: R2,000,000 – R4,500,000
11. Anesthesiologist
Role: Manages anesthesia during surgery and monitors vital signs.
- Public Sector: R1,100,000 – R1,800,000
- Private Sector: R2,000,000 – R4,000,000
12. Orthopedic Surgeon
Role: Specializes in bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles.
- Public Hospital: R1,200,000 – R2,000,000
- Private Sector: R2,500,000 – R6,000,000
13. Urologist
Role: Treats diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs.
- Public Sector: R950,000 – R1,500,000
- Private Sector: R2,000,000 – R4,000,000
14. ENT Specialist (Otolaryngologist)
Role: Treats conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.
- Public Sector: R950,000 – R1,400,000
- Private Sector: R1,800,000 – R3,500,000
15. Radiologist
Role: Uses imaging to diagnose and treat illnesses.
- Public Sector: R1,200,000 – R1,900,000
- Private Sector: R2,500,000 – R5,500,000
16. Pathologist
Role: Studies lab samples for diagnosis of diseases.
- Public Sector: R900,000 – R1,400,000
- Private Sector: R1,800,000 – R3,500,000
17. Emergency Medicine Specialist
Role: Works in emergency departments managing acute care.
- Public Sector: R850,000 – R1,400,000
- Private Hospitals: R1,500,000 – R3,000,000
18. Geriatrician
Role: Specializes in healthcare for the elderly.
- Public Sector: R900,000 – R1,500,000
- Private Practice: R1,800,000 – R3,500,000
19. Nephrologist
Role: Treats kidney-related conditions.
- Public Sector: R1,000,000 – R1,600,000
- Private Practice: R2,000,000 – R4,000,000
20. Public Health Doctor
Role: Works in policy-making, disease prevention, and epidemiology.
- Government Roles: R800,000 – R1,200,000
- NGOs & International Bodies: R1,000,000 – R2,500,000
Related:
- Top 10 Cheapest Medical Aids In South Africa
- FEDHEALTH Medical Aid Plans
- Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Jobs In South Africa
Conclusion
The earning potential for doctors in South Africa varies widely depending on specialization, experience, and work environment. Public sector doctors typically earn a fixed salary based on government pay scales, while private sector professionals can earn substantially more, especially in high-demand or specialized fields. For aspiring medical professionals, understanding the financial landscape is essential in planning a rewarding career in South Africa’s healthcare system.