2026 comparison
Radiographer vs Medical Doctor salary in South Africa
Higher paying career: Medical Doctor. Approximate monthly difference: R72 000.
Entry, mid, senior pay, demand, difficulty and long-term career upside.
Radiographer
High demand · Diagnostic Radiography degree + HPCSA registration
EntryR24 000
MidR50 000
SeniorR78 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
R24 000
R45 000
Mid
R50 000
R90 000
Senior
R78 000
R150 000
Top 20%
R120 000
R350 000
Demand
Radiographer8/10
Medical Doctor10/10
Difficulty
Radiographer7/10
Medical Doctor10/10
Salary difference
+R72 000
Compare the Medical Doctor salary in South Africa with how much Radiographers earn at senior level.
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Higher paying career: Medical Doctor. The senior-level gap is about R72 000 per month, based on R150 000 for Medical Doctor compared with R78 000 for Radiographer.
Career alternatives
Higher earning
Medical Doctor
Easier entry
Radiographer
Better long-term
Medical Doctor
Skills / requirements
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
Specialisation (e.g. Surgery)
Less central
Medical Doctor needs this
Diagnostics
Less central
Medical Doctor needs this
Career progression
Radiographer
Community Service RadiographerR26 000
RadiographerR50 000
Senior RadiographerR78 000
Chief RadiographerR95 000
Medical Doctor
InternR48 000
Medical OfficerR70 000
RegistrarR95 000
SpecialistR180 000
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