Entry-level healthcare support workers in South Africa earn roughly R8 000 to R21 000 per month in 2026, depending on the role, qualification and sector. Nursing assistants and enrolled nursing auxiliaries earn about R12 000 to R21 000, care workers and community health workers earn less at around R4 000 to R9 000, and pharmacist assistants earn about R8 000 to R20 000. Public-sector staff also received the 4% cost-of-living increase from 1 April 2026.
Quick facts: healthcare support pay (2026)
| Role | Monthly salary (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Nursing assistant / enrolled nursing auxiliary | R12 000 to R21 000 |
| Care worker / caregiver | R4 000 to R9 000 |
| Community health worker | R3 500 to R6 000 (stipend) |
| General orderly | R5 000 to R9 000 |
| Pharmacist assistant | R8 000 to R20 000 |
Nursing assistant and enrolled nursing auxiliary salary
The enrolled nursing auxiliary (ENA), often called a nursing assistant, is the entry point into nursing. In the public sector the 2026 starting notch is about R14 500 to R16 000 per month, and with experience ENAs earn up to around R19 000. Private hospitals such as Netcare, Mediclinic and Life Healthcare typically pay a little more, about R16 000 to R21 000. An ENA completes an 18-month accredited programme (NQF Level 3) and works under the supervision of a professional nurse.
To see any of these figures after deductions, use our take-home pay calculator.
Care worker and community health worker pay
Care workers and caregivers, who provide home-based and frail care, earn about R4 000 to R9 000 per month, depending on whether they work for a private agency, an NGO or a family. Community health workers, who support clinics and do home visits, are usually paid a stipend of around R3 500 to R6 000 a month. These roles are vital but sit at the lower end of healthcare pay.
General orderly salary
General orderlies and hospital porters, who move patients and support ward operations, earn about R5 000 to R9 000 per month in the public sector, on the lower government salary levels. It is a common entry point into a hospital career.
Pharmacist assistant salary
Pharmacist assistants support pharmacists in dispensing and stock control. A basic pharmacist assistant earns about R8 000 to R15 000 per month, and a qualified post-basic pharmacist assistant earns about R12 000 to R20 000. Registration with the South African Pharmacy Council is required.
How to earn more in healthcare support
The clearest way to raise your pay is to move up the qualification ladder, for example from nursing auxiliary to enrolled nurse to professional nurse, or from basic to post-basic pharmacist assistant. Public-sector staff also benefit from notch progression, the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), medical aid and shift allowances. For related emergency roles, see our paramedic salary guide, and compare all jobs in our South African salary guide.
How we worked this out
The figures on this page are estimates based on healthcare salary survey data, public-sector pay information and industry guides for 2026. Pay varies by role, qualification, sector and employer, so treat these as guide ranges and confirm the figure in the specific vacancy or with the employer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant earn per month in South Africa in 2026? An enrolled nursing auxiliary earns about R14 500 to R16 000 at the public-sector starting notch, up to around R19 000 with experience, and about R16 000 to R21 000 in private hospitals.
How much does a care worker earn? About R4 000 to R9 000 per month, depending on whether they work for a private agency, an NGO or a family. Community health workers earn a stipend of about R3 500 to R6 000.
How much does a pharmacist assistant earn? A basic pharmacist assistant earns about R8 000 to R15 000 per month, and a qualified post-basic pharmacist assistant about R12 000 to R20 000.
What qualification do you need to be a nursing assistant? An 18-month accredited enrolled nursing auxiliary programme at NQF Level 3, with registration with the South African Nursing Council.
How do I earn more in healthcare support? Move up the qualification ladder, from auxiliary to enrolled to professional nurse, or from basic to post-basic pharmacist assistant, and use public-sector notch progression.
