Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary in South Africa (2025)
The role of a cardiothoracic surgeon in South Africa is a highly specialised and demanding medical profession that involves surgical procedures on the heart, lungs and chest cavity. Understanding “cardiothoracic surgeon salary in South Africa” is important for graduates, job-seekers, or career-changers considering this path. Several factors influence pay—such as years of experience, qualification level, location, and whether one works in a public or private setting.
Average Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary in South Africa
| Metric | Amount (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary | ~ R 173,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | ~ R 2,076,000 |
In context, the national average salary across all occupations in South Africa is significantly lower (for instance, typical professional salaries often range well below R 500,000 annually). Therefore, cardiothoracic surgeons earn multiple times the national average, reflecting the advanced training, responsibility and scarcity of the specialty.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (Range) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | R 90,000 – R 145,000 |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | R 130,000 – R 200,000 |
| Experienced (8–15 years) | R 170,000 – R 250,000 |
| Senior/Lead Cardiothoracic Surgeon (15+ years) | R 220,000 – R 300,000+ |
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary by Qualification
| Qualification Level | Average Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Medical qualification (MB ChB) + specialist training | R 150,000 – R 180,000 |
| Postgraduate qualification (Master’s, PhD) or specialist registration | R 180,000 – R 230,000 |
| Additional certifications / professional registration (e.g., international fellowships) | R 210,000 – R 280,000+ |
Having higher qualifications (such as advanced fellowships, international credentialing or extra subspecialty training) often correlates with higher remuneration and more senior roles in private practice.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary by Location (Province/City)
| City/Province | Average Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg | R 190,000 |
| Cape Town | R 180,000 |
| Durban | R 170,000 |
| Pretoria | R 185,000 |
| Bloemfontein | R 160,000 |
| Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) | R 155,000 |
| Polokwane | R 145,000 |
| East London | R 150,000 |
In general, major urban centres (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town) see higher salaries reflecting higher cost of living, more complex private-practice opportunities and greater demand for specialist services.
Public vs Private Sector Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries
| Sector | Average Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Public Sector | R 140,000 – R 180,000 |
| Private Sector | R 200,000 – R 300,000+ |
In the public sector, remuneration is often built into salary packages (including commuted overtime, allowances) and may include benefits such as housing allowance, pension contributions via government, medical aid and structured service posts. In the private sector, higher base salaries are possible alongside opportunities for profit-sharing, consultancy fees and high volumes of specialist procedures.
Additional Benefits and Allowances
In addition to salary, cardiothoracic surgeons may receive benefits such as medical aid coverage, pension fund contributions, generous leave days, and sometimes car or housing allowance in public sector postings (especially in remote or underserved areas). Some positions include rural or remote-area incentives if working in less accessible provinces. Bonuses or profit-sharing may apply in private practice or senior consultant roles, particularly where high-volume or complex surgeries generate significant revenue.
Actionable Steps for Surgeons to Earn More
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Seek increasingly complex subspecialty training (e.g., heart–lung transplant, minimally invasive thoracic techniques) to command higher fees.
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Build a strong reputation and referral network in private practice, which drives volume, case complexity and earnings.
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Consider locum or additional consultancy roles in multiple hospitals to maximise income.
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Pursue leadership roles (Head of Department, service line director) that attract stipends, allowances and performance bonuses.
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Undertake continuous professional development and credentialing (international fellowships, subspecialty accreditation) to remain competitive.
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Negotiate for performance-based incentives or profit-share agreements in the private sector.
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Consider geographic flexibility: relocating to high-demand urban centres or underserved rural areas can yield premium packages.
Comparison with Other Professions
| Profession | Average Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | R 170,000 – R 220,000+ |
| Police Officer | R 35,000 – R 45,000 |
| Teacher | R 30,000 – R 40,000 |
| Accountant | R 45,000 – R 70,000 |
| Pharmacist | R 60,000 – R 90,000 |
| Doctor (general medical) | R 70,000 – R 120,000 |
This comparison shows that the cardiothoracic surgery profession is at the high end of the pay scale among South African professions, reflecting its specialized nature, extensive training and high levels of responsibility.
Challenges and Salary Growth Potential
Salary progression over time is realistic for cardiothoracic surgeons but can be tempered by factors such as high competition, burnout risk, the demand of long hours and on-call duties. Promotion paths include roles such as Head of Department, Chief Surgical Consultant or independent private practice owner, which significantly boost earnings. Factors slowing growth may include staying solely within public sector fixed salary scales, limited access to private clinics or referral networks, and working in lower-volume settings. To maximise growth, surgeons should engage in sub-specialisation, build private practice relationships and seek leadership/administrative roles.
How to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in South Africa
The journey to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon in South Africa begins with a medical qualification (MB ChB) and registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Following internship and community service, doctors enter surgical training then sub-specialise in cardiothoracic surgery (6+ years). Specialist registration with the HPCSA as a “Medical Specialist: Cardiothoracic Surgery” is required, along with credentialing by institutions such as the College of Surgeons of South Africa (CMSA). The job market outlook for cardiothoracic surgeons is strong due to the scarcity of specialists, rising demand for cardiac and thoracic procedures, and growth in private healthcare sectors. Those who complete the pathway are well positioned to secure high-earning roles in both public and private hospitals.
Conclusion
In summary, cardiothoracic surgeon salary in South Africa is substantially higher than average professional salaries, reflecting the advanced training, responsibilities and skill required. While entry-level salaries are already strong, remuneration grows significantly with experience, advanced qualifications, favourable locations and private-practice participation. For those considering this career, the rewards can be substantial—but so are the demands. Be sure to explore other salary guides for related specialties and continually monitor your practice and market positioning to maximise growth.