2026 comparison
Physiotherapist vs Medical Doctor salary in South Africa
Higher paying career: Medical Doctor. Approximate monthly difference: R75 000.
Entry, mid, senior pay, demand, difficulty and long-term career upside.
Physiotherapist
Medium demand · BSc Physiotherapy + HPCSA registration
EntryR22 000
MidR48 000
SeniorR75 000
Top 20%R120 000
Medical Doctor
High demand · MBChB (6 years) + internship + community service
EntryR45 000
MidR90 000
SeniorR150 000
Top 20%R350 000
Salary breakdown
Entry
R22 000
R45 000
Mid
R48 000
R90 000
Senior
R75 000
R150 000
Top 20%
R120 000
R350 000
Demand
Physiotherapist7/10
Medical Doctor10/10
Difficulty
Physiotherapist7/10
Medical Doctor10/10
Salary difference
+R75 000
Compare the Medical Doctor salary in South Africa with how much Physiotherapists earn at senior level.
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Higher paying career: Medical Doctor. The senior-level gap is about R75 000 per month, based on R150 000 for Medical Doctor compared with R75 000 for Physiotherapist.
Career alternatives
Higher earning
Medical Doctor
Easier entry
Physiotherapist
Better long-term
Medical Doctor
Skills / requirements
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Patient communication
Physiotherapist needs this
Medical Doctor needs this
Sports injury
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Practice management
Physiotherapist needs this
Less central
Specialisation (e.g. Surgery)
Less central
Medical Doctor needs this
Diagnostics
Less central
Medical Doctor needs this
Career progression
Physiotherapist
Community Service PhysiotherapistR24 000
PhysiotherapistR48 000
Senior PhysiotherapistR75 000
Practice OwnerR100 000
Medical Doctor
InternR48 000
Medical OfficerR70 000
RegistrarR95 000
SpecialistR180 000
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