Pharmacist's Payslip Sparks Debate on Income, Deductions and Career Choices
- A TikTok video revealed a South African retail pharmacist's payslip, sparking widespread discussion
- The significant deductions, particularly the tax, surprised many viewers, leading to mixed reactions
- The payslip highlighted salary transparency in South Africa and reignited frustrations about the tax system
- Briefly News spoke to Amanda, a qualified pharmacist who left a teaching career to pursue her passion for pharmacy, graduating cum laude in the process
- Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha on how individuals with limited financial resources can effectively prepare to negotiate higher wages or improved job offers
South Africans engaged in widespread discussion after a TikTok video revealed a retail pharmacist's payslip, highlighting impressive gross earnings drastically reduced by significant deductions, thereby sparking conversations about professional salaries, financial realities, and tax system transparency.
Source: Facebook
A TikTok video showing the payslip of a South African retail pharmacist has sparked widespread conversation about professional salaries, high deductions, and financial realities in the country. Shared by content creator @lifereset_za, who posts real payslips to promote transparency, the post offered a detailed breakdown of the pharmacist’s earnings and deductions.
According to the payslip, the pharmacist earns a basic salary of R72,541, along with overtime pay of R8,887 and a performance bonus of R12,920, bringing the total gross salary to R94,349. However, R27,630 was paid in tax, and total deductions amounted to R37,344, leaving the individual with a net take-home pay of R57,000.
While the gross income appears impressive, the sharp reduction after deductions left many viewers surprised. The video has drawn mixed reactions, with some expressing admiration for the earning potential of the pharmacy profession, and others commenting on how significantly high deductions reduce the real value of the salary.
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South Africans discuss salary transparency and tax pressures
Commenters on the post were divided. Some saw the salary as a testament to the rewards of higher education and hard work, particularly in the healthcare field. Others were shocked by how much was deducted from the total, with many saying the final take-home pay did not reflect the pressure and workload pharmacists endure, especially those in retail settings.
Beyond the numbers, the video has highlighted a broader issue: the lack of salary transparency in South Africa. Many young professionals and students have little understanding of what various careers pay, let alone how taxes, UIF, medical aid and other deductions impact real earnings.
It also reignites long-standing frustrations with South Africa’s tax system. Many workers feel overtaxed, especially when service delivery fails to meet expectations. Even high earners are left wondering where their contributions are going. With the cost of living constantly rising, many are reassessing what it means to earn enough.
Amanda told Briefly News that earnings differ based on several factors, including which sector a pharmacist works in, whether it’s retail (like Clicks or Dis-Chem), hospital, industrial (such as Aspen or Cipla), or regulatory bodies like SAHPRA. Salary also depends on experience, deductions, and job grade. Beyond income, Amanda said there’s a widespread misunderstanding about what pharmacists actually do.
“People often assume pharmacists are just glorified cashiers who hand over medication, but that’s far from the truth. Our job requires precision, critical thinking, and serious calculations.”
She elaborated on the lesser-known responsibilities pharmacists carry out daily, including verifying that doctors have prescribed the correct medicine, checking dosages based on age, weight and co-morbidities, and ensuring that no drug interactions occur, a process that may involve recommending safer alternatives on the spot.
“Every prescription is a clinical decision. I have to ask: is this the right drug, at the right dose, for this specific patient? Does it clash with their existing meds? If it does, what else can I offer? These are high-stakes decisions we make constantly.”
Amanda also pointed out the important but underappreciated role pharmacists play in manufacturing and product safety.
“Not a single batch of medicine leaves a pharmaceutical plant without a pharmacist’s sign-off. We do the tests to ensure efficacy and safety. If something goes wrong, like with that batch of Benylin syrup that was recalled, it’s the pharmacist who takes the fall.”
She added that the public’s limited awareness of the pharmacy's full scope makes the profession vulnerable to stereotypes.
“It’s like saying physiotherapists are just massage therapists; it undermines the science and responsibility involved.”
Amanda stressed that pharmacists also play a vital role in public health education and antimicrobial stewardship, particularly regarding the misuse of antibiotics.
“People are taking antibiotics for the flu, and doctors are prescribing them like sweets. That’s dangerous. We’re seeing rising antimicrobial resistance, which means one day, antibiotics may stop working completely. It’s a silent crisis we’re trying to prevent.”
Despite the criticism online, Amanda said most pharmacists she knows, herself included, are not struggling financially. While job opportunities may limit some from working in their preferred sectors, the pay is generally decent across the board.
“Pharmacy isn't just a job, it's a calling. And it’s one that demands more recognition for the critical role we play in keeping communities healthy.”
Source: TikTok
Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about strategies individuals in tight financial situations can use to negotiate better wages or job offers. She said:
"Preparation is essential, it's important to clearly articulate why you’re requesting an increase. That way, when you step into the conversation, you're not just asking—you’re presenting a strong case."
Mzansi reacted to the gross salary
Thu2za said:
"Yerrrr those deductions, the whole salary… SARS is hitting hard, shame. Ngeke."
Just Mbalz wrote:
"I know this company and this payslip. 🤣🤣"
E asked:
"What do pharmacists do to get these? Let’s be honest. 😭"
Palesa The Photographer commented:
"How many years of experience as a pharmacist is this? We might be doing retail by mistake. 😭"
Amu said:
"Huh, from 90k to 50k? Yoh, ayii no SARS. 😭"
Kgaogelomasela wrote:
"Total tax is a salary on its own. SARS needs to be stopped, haaa! 😭"
Elengos Mofokeng said:
"R27,000 tax only? SARS, when I catch you. 💔"
Sir_b38 wrote:
"27k tax? We must actually go to work in other countries."
User6658228188619 asked:
"Hi cc, can you please post a salary from someone in the nature conservationist industry, please. 🥰"
Dr Lhuu Jama said, "I’m a manager and I do not get paid for overtime."
Tshianeo commented:
"Not bad, one can survive with this salary."
Ecarol05_ asked:
"What about an industrial pharmacist?"
Mazibula wrote:
"One thing about the health industry — they don’t earn that much but are pushed by overtime mostly. If we had overtime, we’d be far. But for us in corporate, you work long hours with no overtime. 😔"
Dr.Sindy_Mbele 🇿🇦 commented:
"Manager earning overtime. 😜"
Mandinsi said:
"Haaa! No, my friend working as a pharmacy manager at a tertiary hospital under DOH earns well."
Check out the TikTok video below:
Source: Getty Images
3 Briefly News stories about payslips
- A helpful woman on TikTok who makes content out of anonymously submitted payslips got hold of another one.
- A woman unveiled the payslip of a call centre agent with just a matric certificate, which shocked the nation.
- Content creator Boni Xaba was back to review people's payslips, with the recent one being that of an architect.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Gloria Masia Gloria Masia is a Human Interest Writer at Briefly News. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations from UNISA and a Diploma in Journalism from Rosebank College. With over six years of experience, Gloria has worked in digital marketing, online TV production, and radio. Email:gloria.masia@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
