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2026 comparison

Speech Therapist vs Midwife salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Speech Therapist vs Midwife in South Africa

Higher paying career
Speech Therapist
Monthly difference
R13 000
Easier to enter
Speech Therapist
Better long-term
Midwife

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Speech Therapist (+R13 000/month)
Easier entry
Speech Therapist
Best long-term
Midwife
Verdict

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

Choose Speech Therapist if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

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

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
Speech TherapistR22 000
MidwifeR18 000
Mid
Speech TherapistR45 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior
Speech TherapistR68 000
MidwifeR55 000
Top 20%
Speech TherapistR100 000
MidwifeR80 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

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

Difficulty

Speech Therapist (7/10)7/10
Midwife (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R13 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R13 000 per month. Speech Therapist earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Speech Therapist salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Speech Therapist pays more, with senior salaries around R68 000 per month compared to R55 000 for Midwife.

Which is easier to enter?

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

Which is better long-term?

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

Detailed comparison

When comparing Speech Therapist vs Midwife in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R13 000 per month.

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

Skills and requirements

Speech Therapist

Core skills
  • Diagnostic assessmentHigh
  • Therapy techniquesHigh
  • EmpathyHigh

Midwife

Core skills
  • Maternal careHigh
  • Emergency responseHigh
  • Patient supportHigh

Side by side

Diagnostic assessment
Speech Therapist needs this
Less central
Therapy techniques
Speech Therapist needs this
Less central
Empathy
Speech Therapist needs this
Less central
Maternal care
Less central
Midwife needs this
Emergency response
Less central
Midwife needs this
Patient support
Less central
Midwife needs this

Career progression

Speech Therapist

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

Midwife

Junior MidwifeR22 000
MidwifeR38 000
Senior MidwifeR55 000
Midwifery SpecialistR80 000

Related insights

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See full Speech Therapist salary guide →

More Midwife salary comparisons

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See full Midwife salary guide →

Explore related salary guides

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