Entry-level Veterinarian salary in South Africa
What first-year veterinarians actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R28 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R45 000/mo
Hourly rate
R162–R260/hr
What you'll earn as a junior veterinarian
- • Most first-year veterinarians start between R28 000 and R45 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R162–R260 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: BVSc (Onderstepoort) + SAVC registration.
- • Typical experience needed at entry: Clinical practice with small or large animals.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R60 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level veterinarian pay rises to around R60 000/month - a 114% increase over your starting salary.
See full Veterinarian salary guide →