Entry-level Registered Nurse salary in South Africa
What first-year registered nurses actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R18 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R28 000/mo
Hourly rate
R104–R162/hr
What you'll earn as a junior registered nurse
- • Most first-year registered nurses start between R18 000 and R28 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R104–R162 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: Bachelor of Nursing (4 years).
- • Typical experience needed at entry: SANC registration.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R35 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level registered nurse pay rises to around R35 000/month - a 94% increase over your starting salary.
See full Registered Nurse salary guide →