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2026 comparison

Midwife vs Psychiatrist salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Midwife vs Psychiatrist in South Africa

Higher paying career
Psychiatrist
Monthly difference
R115 000
Easier to enter
Midwife
Better long-term
Psychiatrist

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Psychiatrist (+R115 000/month)
Easier entry
Midwife
Best long-term
Psychiatrist
Verdict

Choose Psychiatrist 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

Psychiatrist

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

MBChB + MMed Psychiatry + HPCSA.

  • MBChB
  • Specialist registration
  • HPCSA
Salary
EntryR60 000
MidR110 000
SeniorR170 000
Top 20%R280 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
MidwifeR18 000
PsychiatristR60 000
Mid
MidwifeR38 000
PsychiatristR110 000
Senior
MidwifeR55 000
PsychiatristR170 000
Top 20%
MidwifeR80 000
PsychiatristR280 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Midwife (8/10)8/10
Psychiatrist (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

Midwife (7/10)7/10
Psychiatrist (10/10)10/10
Salary difference
+R115 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R115 000 per month. Psychiatrist earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Psychiatrist salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Psychiatrist pays more, with senior salaries around R170 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?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Midwife vs Psychiatrist in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R115 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Psychiatrist

Core skills
  • DiagnosisHigh
  • PharmacologyHigh
  • Therapy & 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
Diagnosis
Less central
Psychiatrist needs this
Pharmacology
Less central
Psychiatrist needs this
Therapy & counselling
Less central
Psychiatrist needs this

Career progression

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Psychiatrist

RegistrarR65 000
Specialist PsychiatristR110 000
Senior PsychiatristR170 000
Private Practice / Head of UnitR280 000

Related insights

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More Psychiatrist salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Psychiatrist salary in South Africa.

See full Psychiatrist salary guide →

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