Nursing salary levels in South Africa
Nursing salaries in the public sector follow the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for nurses, while private hospital groups like Mediclinic, Netcare and Life Healthcare set their own competitive scales. The type of qualification you hold determines your category and pay grade.
Public vs private sector pay
Public sector nurses generally earn slightly less in base salary but benefit from government pension (GEPF), medical aid subsidy and job security. Private sector nurses often earn higher base salaries with performance bonuses, but benefits structures differ.
Factors affecting nurse salaries
- Category — Enrolled Nursing Auxiliary, Enrolled Nurse, Professional Nurse, Specialist.
- Experience — OSD grades reward years of service with notch increases.
- Specialisation — ICU, theatre, midwifery and psychiatric nursing attract premiums.
- Location — rural allowances in public service; private sector premiums in cities.
- Overtime and shifts — night duty, weekend and public holiday rates add significantly.