2026 comparison

Radiographer vs Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Radiographer vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa

Higher paying career
Commercial Pilot
Monthly difference
R82 000
Easier to enter
Radiographer
Better long-term
Commercial Pilot

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Commercial Pilot (+R82 000/month)
Easier entry
Radiographer
Best long-term
Commercial Pilot
Verdict

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

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

Career overview

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

Commercial Pilot

Demand: 6/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

  • Matric with Maths & Physical Science
  • CPL from SACAA-approved school
  • Class 1 medical
Salary
EntryR35 000
MidR95 000
SeniorR160 000
Top 20%R250 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
RadiographerR24 000
Commercial PilotR35 000
Mid
RadiographerR50 000
Commercial PilotR95 000
Senior
RadiographerR78 000
Commercial PilotR160 000
Top 20%
RadiographerR120 000
Commercial PilotR250 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Radiographer (8/10)8/10
Commercial Pilot (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

Radiographer (7/10)7/10
Commercial Pilot (9/10)9/10
Salary difference
+R82 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R82 000 per month. Commercial Pilot earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Commercial Pilot pays more, with senior salaries around R160 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?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Radiographer vs Commercial Pilot in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R82 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Radiographer

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

Commercial Pilot

Core skills
  • Instrument RatingHigh
  • Multi-engine ratingHigh
  • ATPL theoryHigh
  • Crew Resource ManagementMedium

Side by side

Diagnostic imaging
Radiographer needs this
Less central
CT / MRI
Radiographer needs this
Less central
Patient care
Radiographer needs this
Less central
Radiation safety
Radiographer needs this
Less central
Instrument Rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
Multi-engine rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this

Career progression

Radiographer

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

Commercial Pilot

Flight InstructorR35 000
First Officer (regional)R70 000
First Officer (airline)R110 000
CaptainR180 000

Related insights

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