Entry-level Medical Doctor salary in South Africa
What first-year medical doctors actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R45 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R65 000/mo
Hourly rate
R260–R376/hr
What you'll earn as a junior medical doctor
- • Most first-year medical doctors start between R45 000 and R65 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R260–R376 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: MBChB (6 years) + internship + community service.
- • Typical experience needed at entry: 2 yrs internship + 1 yr community service.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R90 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level medical doctor pay rises to around R90 000/month - a 100% increase over your starting salary.
See full Medical Doctor salary guide →