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- Military And Defence
- Armed Forces Guide
- South Africa
South African Military Health Service (Samhs) — Ranks & Salary Breakdown (2025)
The South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) is a standalone branch within the SANDF, headed by a Surgeon General (equivalent to Lieutenant General). It operates military hospitals, medical training institutions, and offers medical services to soldiers, their families, and government agencies. In 2025, the SAMHS combines medical professionalism with military structure—here's how its ranks and pay stack up.
Organizational Scale
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Active personnel: approximately 9,922
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Reserves: around 1,115
Rank Structure Overview
Commissioned Officers (Medical Leadership)
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Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
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Lieutenant (Lt)
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Captain (Capt)
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Major (Maj)
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Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
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Colonel (Col)
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Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
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Major General (Maj Gen)
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Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
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General (Gen)
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (Warrant Officers)
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Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2)
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Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1)
Junior Enlisted Personnel
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Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
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Sergeant (Sgt)
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Corporal (Cpl)
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Lance Corporal (LCpl)
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Private (Pte)
Annual Salary Ranges by Rank (ZAR)
| Rank | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Private (Pte) | R120,000 – R180,000 |
| Lance Corporal | R150,000 – R200,000 |
| Corporal (Cpl) | R200,000 – R250,000 |
| Sergeant (Sgt) | R250,000 – R300,000 |
| Warrant Officer Class 2 | R300,000 – R400,000 |
| Warrant Officer Class 1 | R400,000 – R500,000 |
| Second Lieutenant (2Lt) | R300,000 – R400,000 |
| Lieutenant (Lt) | R350,000 – R450,000 |
| Captain (Capt) | R400,000 – R500,000 |
| Major (Maj) | R500,000 – R600,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) | R600,000 – R800,000 |
| Colonel (Col) | R800,000 – R1,000,000 |
| Brigadier General | R1,000,000 – R1,300,000 |
| Major General | R1,300,000 – R1,800,000 |
| Lieutenant General | R1,800,000 – R2,500,000 |
| General | R2,500,000 – R3,500,000 |
Monthly Salary Estimates by Rank
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Pay (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Private | R10,000 – R15,000 |
| Corporal | R16,000 – R21,000 |
| Sergeant | R21,000 – R25,000 |
| Warrant Officer Class 1 | R33,000 – R42,000 |
| Second Lieutenant | R25,000 – R33,000 |
| Captain | R33,000 – R42,000 |
| Major | R42,000 – R50,000 |
| Colonel | R67,000 – R83,000 |
Monthly figures are rough estimates derived from annual salaries divided by 12.
Other Notable Military Nurse Pay Insights
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Entry-level military nurses/assistants earn R12,000 – R18,000 per month.
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Enrolled nurses (Corporal rank) earn R18,000 – R25,000 per month.
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Registered nurses (Sergeant rank) make around R25,000 – R36,000 per month.
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Senior specialist nurses (WO–Captain rank) earn between R38,000 – R60,000 per month.
Benefits & Allowances
SAMHS personnel enjoy a suite of benefits, including:
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Comprehensive medical aid for members and families
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Housing support or accommodation on military bases
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Deployment or hazard allowances for missions
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Pension and retirement contributions
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Uniform and gear allowances
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Travel or relocation support
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Education funding for specialties and advanced qualifications
Final Thoughts
The SAMHS remains a well-structured and competitive branch of the SANDF. From the essential care provided by enlisted nurses to the leadership held by generals, each role carries defined rank, salary, and benefits.
If you're pursuing a medical or military healthcare career in South Africa, the SAMHS offers strong financial stability, clear advancement paths, and comprehensive support.
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