Psychologist Salary in South African Rands
Psychology is currently a leading and most high-in-demand profession in South Africa. This is because there are only a limited number of psychologists available for a massive number of people. An average psychologist makes around R53 100 in South Africa.
Want to know more about the average psychologist’s salary in South Africa? Here is a complete breakdown of psychologists’ sub-categories and their pay scales.
Psychologist Salary in SA
The salary of psychologists in South Africa ranges from R24 400 to R84 500 based on his/ her expertise and specialization. According to the latest survey done by the government, almost 75% of psychologists in South Africa earn less than R58 500. The majority of active psychologists in the country fall under the pay bracket of R30 400 and R44 100.
When we compare these numbers with active psychologists recruited in America, the values immediately go higher. As of 2023, an average mental health physician in the states will earn around $134, 325 per year. In the metro states, this payment bracket is between $12,000 and $20,000 per month, however, the amount may vary depending on where you are based.
There are a wide variety of categories for psychologists in South Africa. This includes everything from mental health technicians to organizational psychologists, military psychologists, neuropsychologists, and so on. Here is a complete breakdown of the salary among these professions in South Africa, so keep on reading to know more.
| Category (Job Title) | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrists | R1 616 999 |
| Mental Health Technicians | R480 000 |
| Organizational Psychologists | R312 550 |
| Forensic Psychologists | R536 120 |
| Engineering Psychologists | R751 457 |
| Military Psychologists | R585 218 |
| Neuro Psychologists | R796 000 |
| Therapists | R 90,000 |
| Clinical Psychologists | R105 000 |
| Counseling Psychologists | R13000 |
Professional Responsibilities of a Psychologist in South Africa
The primary job of a psychologist across the globe is to make sure of the mental well-being of people, including the diagnoses, evaluation, and assessment of mental health disorders. There are subdivisions of psychologists in South Africa, each having a distinct set of responsibilities. Here is a breakdown of some popular types of psychologists and what are the job profiles for each.
| Category (Job Title) | Job Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrists | Responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from mental health illness |
| Mental Health Technicians | Responsible for maintaining patient’s hygiene, diet plans, medication intake, and other routine tasks |
| Organizational Psychologists | Responsible for maintaining the well-being of employees in a corporate space |
| Forensic Psychologists | Responsible for working with law enforcement agencies to study, analyze, and evaluate the criminal behavior |
| Engineering Psychologists | Responsible for enhancing the technology and machinery for the diagnosis and evaluation of mental health disorders |
| Military Psychologists | Responsible for the assessment and evaluation of mental health disorders in military spaces |
| Neuro Psychologists | Evaluation, assessment, and treatment of cognitive issues. They are responsible for cognitive diagnosis, medical brain scans, and nervous system injuries. |
| Therapists | Organizing sessions with individuals to help them deal with stress and other common mental health issues |
| Clinical Psychologists | Treatment and evaluation of mental health disorders among groups and individuals |
Factors that Influence the Psychologist Salary in South Africa
There are a number of factors that come into play when it comes to determining the psychologist’s salary in South Africa. Some common among them include expertise, experience, skillset, and location. Moreover, whether you are based in the private or public sector makes a huge difference in how you are paid, for instance, government psychologists are known to enjoy fringe benefits like housing, transport, and medical insurance.
How much does an average psychologist earn in South Africa?
An average psychologist earns anywhere between R53 100 and R84 500 in South Africa. That said, entry-level psychologists may start their pay package from R24 400.
How much does a mental health physician make in South Africa?
An average mental health physician makes around R40 000 each month. This makes approximately R480 000 on an annual basis.
Are psychologists in demand in SA?
Yes, psychologists are in high demand in South Africa. As of 2023, there are only 2.75 psychologists for every 100,000 people, which makes this profession high in demand.
Which psychologist earns the most money in South Africa?
Well, it all comes down to where you are based. That said, engineering psychologists, and psychiatrists are the two most financially beneficial psychologist jobs in South Africa.
Do government psychologists enjoy fringe benefits apart from the monthly pay?
Yes, government psychologists mostly enjoy fringe benefits, including housing, transport, and medical expenses. However, this is partially based on the skillset, experience, qualification, and location.
Psychologists are in high demand within South Africa, given that the field requires a high level of expertise and qualification. However, they are paid differently based on their skill set, degree, location, and gender. I hope, after reading this guide, you have an idea of how different psychologists are paid across the country.
