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2026 comparison

Midwife vs Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Midwife vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa

Higher paying career
Commercial Pilot
Monthly difference
R105 000
Easier to enter
Midwife
Better long-term
Commercial Pilot

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Commercial Pilot (+R105 000/month)
Easier entry
Midwife
Best long-term
Commercial Pilot
Verdict

Choose Commercial Pilot 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

Commercial Pilot

Demand: 6/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

  • Matric with Maths & Physical Science
  • CPL from SACAA-approved school
  • Class 1 medical
Salary
EntryR35 000
MidR95 000
SeniorR160 000
Top 20%R250 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
MidwifeR18 000
Commercial PilotR35 000
Mid
MidwifeR38 000
Commercial PilotR95 000
Senior
MidwifeR55 000
Commercial PilotR160 000
Top 20%
MidwifeR80 000
Commercial PilotR250 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Midwife (8/10)8/10
Commercial Pilot (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

Midwife (7/10)7/10
Commercial Pilot (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R105 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R105 000 per month. Commercial Pilot earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Commercial Pilot pays more, with senior salaries around R160 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?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Midwife vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R105 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Commercial Pilot

Core skills
  • Instrument RatingHigh
  • Multi-engine ratingHigh
  • ATPL theoryHigh
  • Crew Resource ManagementMedium

Side by side

Maternal care
Midwife needs this
Less central
Emergency response
Midwife needs this
Less central
Patient support
Midwife needs this
Less central
Instrument Rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
Multi-engine rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
ATPL theory
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this

Career progression

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Commercial Pilot

Flight InstructorR35 000
First Officer (regional)R70 000
First Officer (airline)R110 000
CaptainR180 000

Related insights

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See full Commercial Pilot salary guide →

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