Medical officers (the stage at which doctors register independently with the Health Professions Council of South Africa) and senior medical officers earn R217 000/yr (R18 083/m plus benefits), or R228 000/yr (R19 000/m), i.e. 37% extra if they choose to forgo the equivalent in benefits such as medical aid, R500/m housing allowance (by application only), pension and 13th cheque.