Music Therapist salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Music Therapist in South Africa is approximately 143,565 ZAR (7,181 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Music Therapist do?

A music therapist is a professional who uses music as a therapeutic tool to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with physical or mental disabilities, developmental disorders, or emotional trauma. Music therapists assess the individual's needs and design personalized treatment plans that incorporate various musical activities such as listening, singing, playing instruments, and songwriting. The main goal of a music therapist is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of their clients by using music to facilitate self-expression, improve communication skills, reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and enhance physical coordination and motor skills. They may work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, or private practice.

Skills: music therapy, therapeutic intervention, holistic healing, emotional expression, creative arts, patient care.
Job industry: Healthcare

How much does Music Therapist make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Music Therapist a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Music Therapist is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Music Therapist?

High salary for Music Therapist would be somewhere between 157,922 ZAR and 208,169 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Music Therapist in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 143,565 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,964 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,761 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 ZAR per hour
By working as Music Therapist a person can save up to 327 USD per month or 3,927 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Music Therapist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Customs broker (152,240 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Mechanical engineering technologist (178,840 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Desktop integration specialist (logistics) (112,987 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Direct support worker (50,782 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Sap security analyst (192,980 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results