Doctor Salary in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · Careers & Income
Medical Doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in the Zambian civil service. Compare the salaries for Junior Resident Medical Officers (JRMO), General Practitioners, and Consultant Specialists.
Average Monthly Salary Tiers
Below are the estimated Net (take-home) monthly salary ranges for medical doctors in Zambia, including typical allowances.
| Medical Rank | Estimated Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Junior Resident Medical Officer (JRMO) Newly graduated doctors doing their internship at major teaching hospitals. | ZMK 15,000 – 18,000 |
| Senior Resident Medical Officer (SRMO) Fully licensed general practitioners working in government or standard private hospitals. | ZMK 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Registrar / Specialist in Training Doctors undergoing specialization (e.g., surgery, pediatrics). | ZMK 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Consultant / Specialist Highly experienced specialists. Many earn significantly more via private practice consulting. | ZMK 40,000 – 70,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an intern doctor get paid in Zambia?
A Junior Resident Medical Officer (intern) deployed by the government typically earns between ZMK 15,000 and ZMK 18,000 net per month, inclusive of on-call allowances.
Do doctors in private practice earn more?
Yes. While government offers stability, top specialists operating out of premium private clinics (or running their own consulting rooms) can easily earn upwards of ZMK 100,000 per month depending on patient volume and surgical fees.
What allowances do government doctors receive?
Government salaries are enhanced by an on-call allowance (which makes up a significant portion of take-home pay) and housing allowances if they do not reside in institutional accommodation.