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Minimum wage
in South Africa.

SALARY PAYMENT IN South African Rand (ZAR, R)

CONTRACT LANGUAGES English

PAYROLL TAX 2.00%

PAYROLL CYCLE Monthly

TIME TO HIRE 12 hours

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South Africa

    What is the minimum wage in South Africa per hour?

    The minimum wage in South Africa in 2024 is ZAR 25.42 per hour

    Are there regional variations in the South Africa minimum wage?

    No. South Africa’s National Minimum Wage Act, which came into effect in January 2019, sets a single minimum wage rate for all employees across the country regardless of industry or sector. The national minimum wage rate is reviewed annually by the National Minimum Wage Commission.

    How has minimum wage in South Africa changed in the last 5 years and beyond?

    The national minimum wage in South Africa was set at ZAR 20 per hour in 2017. Each year since then, there has been increases as outlined in the table below. 

    Note, prior to 2019, the minimum wage in South Africa varied depending on the sector and industry. For example, the minimum wage for domestic workers was set at R12.42 per hour in urban areas and R11.31 per hour in rural areas.

    DateMin. wage, hourly  rate (ÅR)
    202323.67
    202223.19
    2021

     21.69 

    202020.76 
    201920.00
    2018Differed by industry and location
    2017Differed by industry and location
    2016Differed by industry and location

     

    How does the minimum wage in South Africa compare to surrounding countries?

    South Africa is surrounded by countries like Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. For reference, South African minimum wage is roughly USD 1.31 per hour.

    • Namibia: No minimum wage, estimated that low wage is roughly USD 0.62 per hour.

    • Botswana: Roughly USD 0.47 per hour.

    • Zimbabwe: Roughly USD 0.53 per hour.

    Is there a different minimum wage for expats in South Africa?

    No. Minimum wage for foreigners in South Africa is the same as the national minimum wage.

    Hiring in South Africa, Made Easy

    Your business can easily hire employees in South Africa without opening a local entity. We handle local employment law, complex tax regulations, and international payroll in 180+ countries worldwide. All you need to do is focus on your business.

    FAQs

    Median salary employees in South Africa typically earn ZAR 162.70 per hour. Considering national minimum wage is ZAR 23.67 per hour, this makes for a difference of ZAR 139.03 per hour.

    No. In South Africa it can be difficult to hire skilled employees close to the minimum wage. Most skilled employees will come to expect wages close to the median wage. 

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