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2026 comparison

Psychiatrist vs Radiographer salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Psychiatrist vs Radiographer in South Africa

Higher paying career
Psychiatrist
Monthly difference
R92 000
Easier to enter
Radiographer
Better long-term
Psychiatrist

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Psychiatrist (+R92 000/month)
Easier entry
Radiographer
Best long-term
Psychiatrist
Verdict

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

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

Career overview

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

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
PsychiatristR60 000
RadiographerR24 000
Mid
PsychiatristR110 000
RadiographerR50 000
Senior
PsychiatristR170 000
RadiographerR78 000
Top 20%
PsychiatristR280 000
RadiographerR120 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Psychiatrist (8/10)8/10
Radiographer (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

Psychiatrist (10/10)10/10
Radiographer (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R92 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R92 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 R78 000 for Radiographer.

Which is easier to enter?

Radiographer 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 Psychiatrist vs Radiographer in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R92 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Psychiatrist

Core skills
  • DiagnosisHigh
  • PharmacologyHigh
  • Therapy & counsellingMedium

Radiographer

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

Side by side

Diagnosis
Psychiatrist needs this
Less central
Pharmacology
Psychiatrist needs this
Less central
Therapy & counselling
Psychiatrist 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

Psychiatrist

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