Neurosurgeon Salary in South Africa

NNeurosurgeons are professionals who deal with surgeries and operations related to the nervous system. It is a highly regarded profession under the list of highest-paid medical specialties. The average monthly salary of a neurosurgeon in South Africa with all the bonuses, tips, and extra payments becomes around R 3,604,039, which is quite a handsome amount.

Occupation:Neurosurgeon
Monthly Salary Range:R 60000 – R 417000
Average Monthly Salary:R 300336.5
Description:Neurosurgeons are responsible for performing assessments, diagnosis, prescribing treatment, and doing surgeries to deal with the neurological conditions of the human being. They deal with the health conditions of the patients that are related to the spine, brain, and peripheral nervous system and perform surgeries and operations to help patients live in the best, healthiest possible way.
Minimum Qualification:Doctorate degree

Although it is an average salary, it increases or decreases based on your professional experience, the area you are working in, and what specialization you have in the field. Let’s look at the details below that shed light on the average salaries of neurosurgeons in South Africa, their professional responsibilities, and what is the salary structure based on different factors.

Overview of Neurosurgeon Salary

Neurosurgery is one of the most lucrative medical professions in South Africa. Experienced neurosurgeons, particularly in private practice or high-demand hospitals, can earn between R 250,000 and R 417,000 per month. Public sector or entry-level neurosurgeons earn less but gain valuable experience and training. Salary varies depending on experience, specialization, location, and type of employer.

Salary Structure by Experience

Career StageApproximate Monthly Salary
Entry-Level / Early CareerR 60,000 – R 90,000
Mid-Career / Moderate ExperienceR 120,000 – R 200,000
Experienced / Private PracticeR 250,000 – R 417,000

Extras

Neurosurgeons may receive additional income through bonuses, overtime pay, and private practice fees. High-performing surgeons with specialized skills often earn significantly more than the average salary.

Responsibilities of Neurosurgeon

  • Neurosurgeons are responsible for performing operations to provide the treatment of neurological conditions.
  • They are responsible for treating nervous system disorders spine, and brain problems via operations.
  • Neurosurgeons are also responsible for diagnosing and providing surgical treatments for problems related to the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system.
  • They are also responsible for treating trauma, tumors, vascular disorders, congenital anomalies, strokes, degenerative spine disease, or infections of the spine and brain.
  • Neurosurgeon responsibilities as a neurosurgeon include operating microscopes when it comes to performing microsurgeries.
  • They are also involved in creating teams of surgeons and coordinating the members and other assistants, including operating theater nurses.
  • Neurosurgeons meet with the families of the patients they are treating and ensure they are satisfied and always up to date with the actual health condition of their patients.
  • They are involved in performing assessments, diagnosis, and prescribing treatments, including conducting operations on patients who have problems related to the nervous system.
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How much does a neurosurgeon earn in South Africa?

The average monthly salary for a neurosurgeon in South Africa is approximately R 335,000, which can reach up to R 417,000 per month in private practice or with high specialization. Entry-level positions in public hospitals start around R 60,000 per month. Annual earnings range from R 720,000 to over R 5 million depending on experience, location, and practice type.

How much does it cost to study neurosurgery in South Africa?

On the basis of research and facts and figures collected from different universities, it has been estimated that five-year studies of neurosurgery in South Africa can charge you up to R 162,125. That means you have to pay R 32,425 every year.

How many neurosurgeons are currently available in South Africa?

South Africa has 65 neurosurgeons, even though their population is 40 million at this time. That means one neurosurgeon is available for 620,000 inhabitants in South Africa. Alternatively, North Africa has 354 neurosurgeons, and according to the census, there is one neurosurgeon for the count of 338,000 inhabitants.
eurosurgeons are professionals who deal with surgeries and operations related to the nervous system. It is a highly regarded profession under the list of highest-paid medical specialties. The average monthly salary of a neurosurgeon in South Africa with all the bonuses, tips, and extra payments becomes around R 3,604,039, which is quite a handsome amount.

Article Modified on December 8, 2025. The data in this article is written and collected by multiple authors. Learn how we research on About Us.