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2026 comparison

Midwife vs Registered Nurse salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Midwife vs Registered Nurse in South Africa

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

Winner summary

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

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

Choose Midwife 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

Registered Nurse

Demand: 10/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Bachelor of Nursing (4 years).

  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • SANC registration
  • BLS certification
Salary
EntryR18 000
MidR35 000
SeniorR50 000
Top 20%R75 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
MidwifeR18 000
Registered NurseR18 000
Mid
MidwifeR38 000
Registered NurseR35 000
Senior
MidwifeR55 000
Registered NurseR50 000
Top 20%
MidwifeR80 000
Registered NurseR75 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Midwife (8/10)8/10
Registered Nurse (10/10)10/10

Difficulty

Midwife (7/10)7/10
Registered Nurse (7/10)7/10
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 Registered Nurse.

Which is easier to enter?

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

Which is better long-term?

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

Detailed comparison

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

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

Skills and requirements

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Registered Nurse

Core skills
  • ICU / Theatre specialisationHigh
  • TraumaHigh
  • Patient careMedium

Side by side

Maternal care
Midwife needs this
Less central
Emergency response
Midwife needs this
Less central
Patient support
Midwife needs this
Less central
ICU / Theatre specialisation
Less central
Registered Nurse needs this
Trauma
Less central
Registered Nurse needs this
Patient care
Less central
Registered Nurse needs this

Career progression

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Registered Nurse

Staff NurseR22 000
Registered NurseR32 000
Specialist Nurse (ICU)R45 000
Unit ManagerR60 000

Related insights

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More Registered Nurse salary comparisons

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See full Registered Nurse salary guide →

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