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2026 comparison

Registered Nurse vs Radiographer salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Registered Nurse vs Radiographer in South Africa

Higher paying career
Radiographer
Monthly difference
R28 000
Easier to enter
Registered Nurse
Better long-term
Radiographer

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Radiographer (+R28 000/month)
Easier entry
Registered Nurse
Best long-term
Radiographer
Verdict

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

Choose Registered Nurse if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

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

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
Registered NurseR18 000
RadiographerR24 000
Mid
Registered NurseR35 000
RadiographerR50 000
Senior
Registered NurseR50 000
RadiographerR78 000
Top 20%
Registered NurseR75 000
RadiographerR120 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Registered Nurse (10/10)10/10
Radiographer (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

Registered Nurse (7/10)7/10
Radiographer (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R28 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R28 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 R50 000 for Registered Nurse.

Which is easier to enter?

Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurse vs Radiographer in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R28 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Registered Nurse

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

Radiographer

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

Side by side

ICU / Theatre specialisation
Registered Nurse needs this
Less central
Trauma
Registered Nurse needs this
Less central
Patient care
Registered Nurse needs this
Radiographer needs this
Diagnostic imaging
Less central
Radiographer needs this
CT / MRI
Less central
Radiographer needs this
Radiation safety
Less central
Radiographer needs this

Career progression

Registered Nurse

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

Radiographer

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

Related insights

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More Radiographer salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Radiographer salary in South Africa.

See full Radiographer salary guide →

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