Occupational Therapist Salary in South African Rands

Occupational therapists help people overcome the barriers to their emotional, physical, and social needs. An average occupational therapist based in the metro cities of South Africa earns around R39 000. If you are someone aspiring to enter the field and want to know more about the occupational therapist salary in South Africa, here is a complete guide for you to read.

Occupational Therapist Salary in South Africa

The salaries of occupational therapists in South Africa range from R20 500 (lowest) to R65 300 (maximum). This figure is only a generic bracket that remains subject to revisions on the basis of different factors like qualification, level of education, expertise, and where you are based. That said, the figure is increasing day by day, and as of 2023, an average occupational therapist is earning around R39 000.

Salary/ Pay Scale and Percentile

From the median and salary distribution chart, we can determine what the ratio of the payment is to the citizens of the country in a specific profession. And if we look into the salaries of occupational therapists in this regard, almost 25% of the SA citizens earn less than R31 900 while the other 75% earn less than R44 600.

Professional Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist in South Africa

Here is a list of all the professional responsibilities an occupational therapist is required to do in South Africa.

• Help people with barriers that come their way and affect emotional, social, and physical needs.
• Develop motor skills to help children with their handwriting and computer skills.
• Help children with basic skills like bathing, brushing teeth, feeding, and getting dressed.
• Help with positive behavior and social skills.
• Offer special equipment with their independent style of living.

Factors that Influence Occupational Therapist Salary in South Africa

There are a number of things that matter when it comes to determining the salary of an occupational therapist in South Africa. Here is a list of all these factors that influence your earnings as an occupational therapist in SA. So, dive right in to know more.

Level of Experience

There is no doubt that your level of experience and expertise can make a huge difference in how you are paid in any profession, let alone occupational therapy. Here is a complete list of how years of experience can help you get paid more as an occupational therapist in South Africa.

Level of Experience	Salary (Per Month)
0-2 years of experience	R20 500
2-5 years of experience	R31 200
5-10 years of experience	R43 100
10-15 years of experience	R47 500
15-20 years of experience	R57 200
Over 20 years of experience	R60 000

City of Employment

Another thing that can make a huge difference in determining the salary of occupational therapists in the country. According to the states, the metro cities in the country are expected to earn more than those based in remote areas, and so on. Here is a breakdown of salaries in the popular cities of South Africa.

City	Salary (Per Month)
Pretoria, Gauteng	R47 774
Durban, KwaZulu Natal	R47 185
Johannesburg, Gauteng	R48 128
Cape Town, Western Cape	R46 000
Midrand, Gauteng	R27 893
Spartan, Gauteng	R27 387
Kempton Park, Gauteng	R25 000

Gender

Gender also plays an important role in determining the salary of occupational therapists in South Africa. As compared to women, men are almost 8% more likely to get recruited and paid. Here is a breakdown of how men and women are paid across the country.

Male	R40 000
Female	R43 200

Education/ Qualification

There is no doubt that people with higher education or qualification are most likely to get paid and occupational therapists are no different. In this case, there are two levels, Level 1 with a Bachelor’s degree and Level 2 with a Master’s degree. As you progress in your education, your financial situation gets better in this field.

Level of Education/ Qualification	Salary Per Month	Increase (Percentage)
Bachelor’s Degree	R30 300	34%
Master’s Degree	R48 700	53%

Occupational therapy is a pretty rewarding field in South Africa. And this is why most medical students are aspiring to study and practice this type of therapy. I hope this guide has been able to give you a clear idea of the financial benefits of entering this field.