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2026 comparison

Radiographer vs Psychiatrist salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Radiographer vs Psychiatrist 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

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

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

Salary breakdown

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

Demand and difficulty

Demand

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

Difficulty

Radiographer (7/10)7/10
Psychiatrist (10/10)10/10
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 Radiographer vs Psychiatrist 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

Radiographer

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

Psychiatrist

Core skills
  • DiagnosisHigh
  • PharmacologyHigh
  • Therapy & counsellingMedium

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
Diagnosis
Less central
Psychiatrist needs this
Pharmacology
Less central
Psychiatrist needs this

Career progression

Radiographer

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

Psychiatrist

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

Related insights

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More Psychiatrist salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Psychiatrist salary in South Africa.

See full Psychiatrist salary guide →

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