SalaryScope South Africa logo
2026 comparison

Radiographer vs Speech Therapist salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Radiographer vs Speech Therapist in South Africa

Higher paying career
Radiographer
Monthly difference
R10 000
Easier to enter
Radiographer
Better long-term
Radiographer

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Radiographer (+R10 000/month)
Easier entry
Radiographer
Best long-term
Radiographer
Verdict

Choose Radiographer 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

Speech Therapist

Demand: 6/10

Salary guide
Requirements

BSc Speech-Language Pathology + HPCSA.

  • BSc Speech Pathology
  • HPCSA
  • Community service
Salary
EntryR22 000
MidR45 000
SeniorR68 000
Top 20%R100 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
RadiographerR24 000
Speech TherapistR22 000
Mid
RadiographerR50 000
Speech TherapistR45 000
Senior
RadiographerR78 000
Speech TherapistR68 000
Top 20%
RadiographerR120 000
Speech TherapistR100 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

Radiographer (8/10)8/10
Speech Therapist (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

Radiographer (7/10)7/10
Speech Therapist (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R10 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R10 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 R68 000 for Speech Therapist.

Which is easier to enter?

Radiographer 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 Radiographer vs Speech Therapist in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R10 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Radiographer

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

Speech Therapist

Core skills
  • Diagnostic assessmentHigh
  • Therapy techniquesHigh
  • EmpathyHigh

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
Diagnostic assessment
Less central
Speech Therapist needs this
Therapy techniques
Less central
Speech Therapist needs this

Career progression

Radiographer

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

Speech Therapist

Community Service TherapistR25 000
Speech TherapistR45 000
Senior TherapistR68 000
Private PracticeR100 000

Related insights

Compare more careersExplore related comparisonsFind higher paying jobs

More Radiographer salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Radiographer salary in South Africa.

See full Radiographer salary guide →

More Speech Therapist salary comparisons

Other careers people compare with Speech Therapist salary in South Africa.

See full Speech Therapist salary guide →

Explore related salary guides

Related careers
Occupational Therapist salaryR70 000Physiotherapist salaryR75 000
Higher paying alternatives
Municipal Manager salary - higher earning pathR200 000Psychiatrist salary - higher earning pathR170 000
Easier entry careers
IT Support Technician salary - easier entry option3/10Bookkeeper salary - easier entry option3/10
Similar industry salaries
Healthcare career: Paramedic salaryHealthcare career: Pharmacist salary
Popular career comparisons
Software Engineer vs Data Scientist salary in South AfricaChartered Accountant vs Financial Analyst salary in South Africa
Explore more salary guides
how much Registered Nurses earn in South Africahow much Social Workers earn in South Africahow much Biomedical Engineers earn in South Africahow much Dietitians earn in South Africahow much Dentists earn in South Africahow much Veterinarians earn in South Africa
Compare Related Share