2026 comparison

Physiotherapist vs Midwife salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Physiotherapist vs Midwife in South Africa

Higher paying career
Physiotherapist
Monthly difference
R20 000
Easier to enter
Physiotherapist
Better long-term
Physiotherapist

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Physiotherapist (+R20 000/month)
Easier entry
Physiotherapist
Best long-term
Physiotherapist
Verdict

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

Choose Physiotherapist if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

Physiotherapist

Demand: 7/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BSc Physiotherapy + HPCSA registration.

  • Physiotherapy degree
  • HPCSA registration
  • Community service
Salary
EntryR22 000
MidR48 000
SeniorR75 000
Top 20%R120 000

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

Salary breakdown

Entry
PhysiotherapistR22 000
MidwifeR18 000
Mid
PhysiotherapistR48 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior
PhysiotherapistR75 000
MidwifeR55 000
Top 20%
PhysiotherapistR120 000
MidwifeR80 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Physiotherapist (7/10)7/10
Midwife (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

Physiotherapist (7/10)7/10
Midwife (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R20 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R20 000 per month. Physiotherapist earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Physiotherapist salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Physiotherapist pays more, with senior salaries around R75 000 per month compared to R55 000 for Midwife.

Which is easier to enter?

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

Which is better long-term?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Physiotherapist vs Midwife in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R20 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Physiotherapist

Core skills
  • RehabilitationHigh
  • Patient communicationHigh
  • Sports injuryMedium
  • Practice managementMedium

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Side by side

Rehabilitation
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Patient communication
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Sports injury
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Practice management
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Maternal care
Less central
Midwife needs this
Emergency response
Less central
Midwife needs this

Career progression

Physiotherapist

Community Service PhysiotherapistR24 000
PhysiotherapistR48 000
Senior PhysiotherapistR75 000
Practice OwnerR100 000

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

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