2026 comparison

Speech Therapist vs Radiographer salary in South Africa

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

Quick answer

Speech Therapist vs Radiographer in South Africa

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

Winner summary

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

Choose Radiographer 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

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

Demand and difficulty

Demand

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

Difficulty

Speech Therapist (7/10)7/10
Radiographer (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?

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

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

Skills and requirements

Speech Therapist

Core skills
  • Diagnostic assessmentHigh
  • Therapy techniquesHigh
  • EmpathyHigh

Radiographer

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

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
Diagnostic imaging
Less central
Radiographer needs this
CT / MRI
Less central
Radiographer needs this
Patient care
Less central
Radiographer needs this

Career progression

Speech Therapist

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

Radiographer

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

Related insights

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