Cardiologist Salary in South Africa

Cardiologists are heart experts who are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with heart disease. This is undoubtedly one of the highest-paid professions in South Africa. If you are planning to become a cardiologist, then you must understand what role they play and their compensation package.

Occupation:	Cardiologist
Monthly Salary Range:	R 70000 – R 300000
Average Monthly Salary:	R 19050
Description:	Cardiologists are heart professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating the heart and blood vessels, also known as the cardiovascular system.
Minimum Qualification:	Becoming a cardiologist in South Africa takes approximately 15 to 16 years or even more. First, you must get accepted to a medical school on the basis of Grade 11 or Grade 12 marks, including the acceptance exam at the university. The undergraduate medical training will take at least six years, and then you must undergo two years of medical internship and one year of community service. Afterward, the individual must go through another four-year training in Internal Medicine. During this time period, they must pass FCP I at the start and FCP II at the end and also complete MMed.

In this article, I am going to explore in detail the salary structure of cardiologists, including the maximum and minimum monthly income, as well as their responsibilities. Therefore, keep reading to enlighten yourself.

Overview of Cardiologist Salary

On average, a cardiologist in South Africa earns around R 215,869 per month (≈ R 2.59 million per year) when experienced and qualified.

Entry‑level cardiologists (newly qualified specialists) typically start at about R 70,000 – R 125,000 per month.

With experience, senior cardiologists — especially those with subspecialization or working in private sector / high demand centres — can earn R 200,000 – R 300,000+ per month.

There is a wide pay variance depending on sector (public vs private), location (city, province), and whether cardiologist performs basic cardiology or interventional / subspecialist procedures.

Salary Bands by Experience & Specialization

Career Stage / Type	Monthly Salary (Approximate)
Entry‑level Cardiologist (new specialist)	R 70,000 – R 125,000
Mid‑career Cardiologist (few years experience)	R 110,000 – R 170,000
Experienced Cardiologist / Specialist / Sub‑specialist	R 150,000 – R 215,000
Senior / High‑demand / Private / Interventional Cardiologist	R 200,000 – R 300,000+

Sector, Location & Qualification Impact

• Public‑sector cardiologists generally have lower base pay compared to private practice, but often benefit from job security, pension/benefits, and allowances.
• Private‑sector and private‑practice cardiologists — especially in major metro areas or with subspecialist credentials — tend to be at the higher end of the salary band.
• Subspecialization (e.g. interventional cardiology) or additional certifications typically translate into higher pay.

Responsibilities of Cardiologists

• Diagnose and manage cardiovascular diseases — heart disease, hypertension, vascular disorders, heart failure, arrhythmias, etc.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests: ECG, echocardiography, stress tests, imaging, blood work.
• Create and oversee treatment plans — medical therapy, lifestyle counselling, referrals, and long‑term management.
• In many cases, perform interventional procedures (depending on specialization), or coordinate with cardiac surgeons / surgical departments.
• Provide patient counselling on prevention, follow‑up care, and rehabilitation; collaborate with other health professionals for comprehensive care.

Roles and Responsibilities of Cardiologists

Cardiologists are responsible for the treatment of conditions of the cardiovascular system, which includes heart and blood vessels. If you are planning to pursue this profession, then it is necessary to understand their responsibilities. Let me list them down one by one:

Healthcare Provider

They treat diseases related to the heart, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and problems with your heart valves, blood vessels, and other vascular issues.

Assessing Patients

Cardiologists carry out different tests to evaluate the patient’s condition. Before performing surgeries or carrying out the treatment plan, they review the patient’s medical history and symptoms. After the tests are successfully completed, the cardiologist analyzes the tests to create an effective treatment plan.

Create Treatment Plan

After the cardiologist has identified the problem, they design the best treatment plan. They can also prescribe medicines to the patients and arrange referrals if necessary. Furthermore, cardiologists also provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and may also advise different tests for further screening.

FAQs

What is a typical starting salary for a newly qualified cardiologist?

Roughly R 70,000 – R 125,000 per month, depending on employer and location.

What can a mid‑level cardiologist expect?

In the region of R 110,000 – R 170,000 per month.

How much can a top or specialized cardiologist earn?

Many experienced or specialized cardiologists in private practice earn between R 200,000 and R 300,000+ per month.

Do salaries depend on sector and location?

Yes — cardiologists in private sector or major urban hospitals with subspecialities tend to earn significantly more than those in public sector or rural areas.

Is cardiology a high‑earning specialization among doctors in South Africa?

Yes — cardiology is among the more lucrative medical specialties, reflecting high demand, specialized training, responsibilities, and risk.rn 8% less than their counterparts in South Africa. This is the case in almost all career fields in South Africa.

Cardiologist salaries vary across South Africa due to different factors, including location, healthcare unit, experience level, and rank. In addition, the salary can also vary due to gender disparity in work.