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2026 comparison

Midwife vs Chef salary in South Africa

Compare salary, demand, difficulty, and long-term growth to choose the right career path.

Quick answer

Midwife vs Chef in South Africa

Higher paying career
Midwife
Monthly difference
R5 000
Easier to enter
Chef
Better long-term
Chef

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Midwife (+R5 000/month)
Easier entry
Chef
Best long-term
Chef
Verdict

Choose Chef if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose Chef if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

Midwife

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Diploma in Midwifery or Advanced Midwifery (post-nursing).

  • Registered Nurse
  • Midwifery qualification
  • SANC registration
Salary
EntryR18 000
MidR38 000
SeniorR55 000
Top 20%R80 000

Chef

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Culinary diploma or apprenticeship.

  • Culinary qualification or apprenticeship
Salary
EntryR8 000
MidR28 000
SeniorR50 000
Top 20%R90 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
MidwifeR18 000
ChefR8 000
Mid
MidwifeR38 000
ChefR28 000
Senior
MidwifeR55 000
ChefR50 000
Top 20%
MidwifeR80 000
ChefR90 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Midwife (8/10)8/10
Chef (9/10)9/10

Difficulty

Midwife (7/10)7/10
Chef (5/10)5/10
Salary difference
+R5 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R5 000 per month. Midwife earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Midwife salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Midwife pays more, with senior salaries around R55 000 per month compared to R50 000 for Chef.

Which is easier to enter?

Chef is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

Chef offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing Midwife vs Chef in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R5 000 per month.

Chef is better for quicker entry into the workforce. Chef is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Chef

Core skills
  • Cooking techniqueHigh
  • Menu planningHigh
  • Kitchen leadershipMedium

Side by side

Maternal care
Midwife needs this
Less central
Emergency response
Midwife needs this
Less central
Patient support
Midwife needs this
Less central
Cooking technique
Less central
Chef needs this
Menu planning
Less central
Chef needs this
Kitchen leadership
Less central
Chef needs this

Career progression

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Chef

Commis ChefR10 000
Chef de PartieR22 000
Sous ChefR38 000
Head Chef / Executive ChefR90 000

Related insights

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More Midwife salary comparisons

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See full Midwife salary guide →

More Chef salary comparisons

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See full Chef salary guide →

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