In South Africa, teacher salaries vary widely based on where they teach, their experience and qualifications, and whether the school is public or private.
The average teacher salary in the country is also heavily influenced by the workforce’s age composition. In 2019, the average age of South African teachers was 46. In the following decade, a huge cohort of older teachers is scheduled to retire, to be replaced by a batch of younger instructors.
As a result, determining an average income across schools, degree levels, and companies can be difficult.
This is reflected in PayScale statistics, which reveals that the compensation range for primary school teachers in South Africa ranges between R80,000 and R300,000, with the median resting at R194,000 yearly – or slightly more than R16,100 per month.
Pay increases for high school teachers range between R100,000 and R340,000, with the median resting at R232,385. Overall, taking both primary and secondary education into account, the median annual pay is almost R213,000 – or little more than R17,700 per month.
Salary differences between public and private schools
Data from the National Treasury and the Department of Basic Education illustrate how much salary varies by school, qualifications, education level, and experience.
Level 1 instructors are the lowest paid and least experienced teachers, with annual salaries starting at R126,720 or R10,560 per month. Principals, on the other hand, start at more than R346,000 a year, or R29,000 per month. Those at the top of the pay tier can earn up to R60,000 per month.
Are teachers fairly compensated in South Africa?
In South Africa, the average income for a high school teacher is R233,177. An entry-level high school teacher with less than one year of experience can expect to make R192,213 in total remuneration (tips, bonus, and overtime pay).
What is the starting wage for a South African teacher?
What does a Teacher earn in South Africa? In South Africa, the average teacher income is R 288 000 per year, or R 148 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level occupations start at R 210 000 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to R 897 679 per year.
In South Africa, how much does a Grade 1 teacher make?
In South Africa, the average grade teacher income is R 300 000 per year, or R 154 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level positions start at R 237 600 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to R 2 407 961 per year.
