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2026 comparison

Midwife vs Radiographer salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Midwife vs Radiographer in South Africa

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

Winner summary

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

Choose Radiographer 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

Radiographer

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Diagnostic Radiography degree + HPCSA registration.

  • Radiography degree
  • HPCSA registration
  • Clinical training
Salary
EntryR24 000
MidR50 000
SeniorR78 000
Top 20%R120 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
MidwifeR18 000
RadiographerR24 000
Mid
MidwifeR38 000
RadiographerR50 000
Senior
MidwifeR55 000
RadiographerR78 000
Top 20%
MidwifeR80 000
RadiographerR120 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Midwife (8/10)8/10
Radiographer (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

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

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

See full Radiographer salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Radiographer 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?

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

Detailed comparison

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

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

Skills and requirements

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Radiographer

Core skills
  • Diagnostic imagingHigh
  • CT / MRIHigh
  • Patient careMedium
  • Radiation safetyHigh

Side by side

Maternal care
Midwife needs this
Less central
Emergency response
Midwife needs this
Less central
Patient support
Midwife needs this
Less central
Diagnostic imaging
Less central
Radiographer needs this
CT / MRI
Less central
Radiographer needs this
Patient care
Less central
Radiographer needs this

Career progression

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Radiographer

Community Service RadiographerR26 000
RadiographerR50 000
Senior RadiographerR78 000
Chief RadiographerR95 000

Related insights

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See full Radiographer salary guide →

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