2026 comparison

Midwife vs Pharmacist salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Midwife vs Pharmacist in South Africa

Higher paying career
Pharmacist
Monthly difference
R23 000
Easier to enter
Midwife
Better long-term
Pharmacist

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Pharmacist (+R23 000/month)
Easier entry
Midwife
Best long-term
Pharmacist
Verdict

Choose Pharmacist 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

Pharmacist

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BPharm + internship + community service.

  • BPharm degree
  • SAPC registration
  • Internship
Salary
EntryR30 000
MidR55 000
SeniorR78 000
Top 20%R120 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
MidwifeR18 000
PharmacistR30 000
Mid
MidwifeR38 000
PharmacistR55 000
Senior
MidwifeR55 000
PharmacistR78 000
Top 20%
MidwifeR80 000
PharmacistR120 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Midwife (8/10)8/10
Pharmacist (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

Midwife (7/10)7/10
Pharmacist (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R23 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R23 000 per month. Pharmacist earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Pharmacist salary in South Africa

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Pharmacist pays more, with senior salaries around R78 000 per month compared to R55 000 for Midwife.

Which is easier to enter?

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

Which is better long-term?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Midwife vs Pharmacist in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R23 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Pharmacist

Core skills
  • Clinical pharmacyHigh
  • Retail pharmacy managementHigh
  • Regulatory affairsHigh
  • Patient counsellingMedium

Side by side

Maternal care
Midwife needs this
Less central
Emergency response
Midwife needs this
Less central
Patient support
Midwife needs this
Less central
Clinical pharmacy
Less central
Pharmacist needs this
Retail pharmacy management
Less central
Pharmacist needs this
Regulatory affairs
Less central
Pharmacist needs this

Career progression

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Pharmacist

Intern PharmacistR28 000
Community Service PharmacistR38 000
PharmacistR55 000
Pharmacy ManagerR75 000

Related insights

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