The average monthly salary for South Africans who were employed in the formal non-agricultural sector was just over 26,800 South African rands (comparable to roughly 1,500 U.S. dollars) in November 2023, which represented a yearly increase of tw0 percent. During the period under review, the overall growth trend was positive, with the earnings increasing by 24.4 percent from 21,500 South African rands (approximately 1,180 U.S. dollars) in November 2018.    Minimum wage and highest-paid professions    Starting in March 2023, the minimum hourly wage in the country increased to 25.42 South African rands (comparable to 1.40 U.S. dollars), which represented an increase of 9.6 percent from 23.19 South African rands (1.27 U.S. dollars) per hour in the preceding year. On the other hand, professionals in executive and change management positions were paid the highest salaries in South Africa, with an average of 74,000 U.S. dollars yearly. Individuals with jobs in retail, trade, and craft followed, receiving an average of 66,000 U.S. dollars per annum.       Highest unemployment among Black South Africans In 2022, the unemployment rate in South Africa was nearly 30 percent following an increasing trend since 2008. The rate was highest among Black South Africans reaching as high as 36.8 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Moreover, Colored South Africans followed with around 22 percent, while white South Africans had a much lower unemployment rate of over 7 percent.

Wages in South Africa decreased to 28289 ZAR/Month in the first quarter of 2025 from 28316 ZAR/Month in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Total Quarterly Wages - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

As of 2024, Morocco had the highest average monthly salaries in Africa. Employees in the country earned around ***** U.S. dollars per month. South Africa and Tunisia followed, with average monthly salaries amounting to ***** U.S. dollars and ***** U.S. dollars, respectively.

As of 2022, Seychelles was the African country with the highest estimated minimum gross monthly wage, standing at ****** U.S. dollars. It was followed by Morocco at ****** U.S. dollars and South Africa ****** U.S. dollars. Among the selected nations, only **** countries had a minimum wage above *** U.S. dollars on the continent. Minimum wage adjustments Legislations regarding minimum wages vary significantly across countries. The minimum remuneration of employees is usually proportionate to a specific area's cost of living. Determining a minimum wage aims to increase employees' living conditions while reducing poverty and inequality. Due to rising prices and inflation, governments occasionally adjust the minimum salary. In Africa, Sierra Leone experienced the highest increase in the minimum wage in recent years, with a growth of almost ** percent between 2010 and 2019. However, governments can also lower minimum wages. Liberia and Burundi reduced the lowest possible remuneration by around ** percent and ***** percent, respectively, between 2010 and 2019. Widespread informal employment Despite legislation in force, minimum wages are not always guaranteed. In fact, several forms of employment allow employers to avoid paying minimum wages. In addition, undeclared work remains a common practice in many countries worldwide. The situation is particularly critical in some African countries. According to estimates, over ** percent of the working population in Niger, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Madagascar engaged in informal employment between 2019 and 2023. In Egypt and South Africa, the share stood at ** percent and ** percent, respectively. Seychelles had the lowest rate on the continent at around ** percent.

Key information about South Africa Monthly Earnings

• South Africa Monthly Earnings stood at 1,547 USD in Aug 2024, compared with the previous figure of 1,470 USD in May 2024
• South Africa Monthly Earnings data is updated quarterly, available from Nov 2004 to Aug 2024, with an average number of 1,473 USD
• The data reached the an all-time high of 1,877 USD in Aug 2011 and a record low of 968 USD in Feb 2009

CEIC converts Monthly Earnings into USD. Statistics South Africa provides Nominal Average Monthly Earnings in local currency based on 2016 Business Sampling Frame. Federal Reserve Board average market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Monthly Earnings exclude Agriculture sector. Monthly Earnings prior to Q2 2015 are based on 2013 Business Sampling Frame and prior to Q2 2013 are based on 2009 Business Sampling Frame. Monthly Earnings are in quarterly frequency, ending in February, May, August, November of each year.


Further information about South Africa Monthly Earnings

• In the latest reports, South Africa Population reached 61 million people in Jun 2022
• Unemployment Rate of South Africa dropped to 32 % in Sep 2024
• The country's Labour Force Participation Rate dropped to 60 % in Sep 2024

Wages in Manufacturing in South Africa decreased to 24071 ZAR/Month in the first quarter of 2025 from 24290 ZAR/Month in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Total Quarterly Wages in Manufacturing - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

This dataset provides values for MINIMUM WAGES reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

The minimum hourly wage in South Africa reached ***** South African rand (**** U.S. dollars) in 2024. Compared to the previous year, this was an increase from ***** South African rand (**** U.S. dollars) per hour. This represented an increment of *** percent, which was the highest in the period reviewed. South Africa's Minister of Employment and Labor, Thusla Nxesi, announced the increase in February with effect from March 1, 2024.

South Africa ZA: Wages Index data was reported at 275.340 2010=100 in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 261.578 2010=100 for 2017. South Africa ZA: Wages Index data is updated yearly, averaging 127.770 2010=100 from Dec 2009 (Median) to 2018, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 275.340 2010=100 in 2018 and a record low of 87.920 2010=100 in 2009. South Africa ZA: Wages Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.IMF.IFS: Wages, Labour Cost and Employment Index: Annual.

South Africa ZA: Wage And Salary Workers: Modeled ILO Estimate: Male: % of Male Employment data was reported at 82.704 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 82.712 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Wage And Salary Workers: Modeled ILO Estimate: Male: % of Male Employment data is updated yearly, averaging 82.653 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2017, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 84.146 % in 2008 and a record low of 79.848 % in 1991. South Africa ZA: Wage And Salary Workers: Modeled ILO Estimate: Male: % of Male Employment data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Employment and Unemployment. Wage and salaried workers (employees) are those workers who hold the type of jobs defined as 'paid employment jobs,' where the incumbents hold explicit (written or oral) or implicit employment contracts that give them a basic remuneration that is not directly dependent upon the revenue of the unit for which they work.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections.

Explore the progression of average salaries for graduates in 3 Year Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science-Univ. Of South Africa from 2020 to 2023 through this detailed chart. It compares these figures against the national average for all graduates, offering a comprehensive look at the earning potential of 3 Year Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science-Univ. Of South Africa relative to other fields. This data is essential for students assessing the return on investment of their education in 3 Year Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science-Univ. Of South Africa, providing a clear picture of financial prospects post-graduation.

Explore the progression of average salaries for graduates in Middle Eastern, South Asian And African Studies Middle Eastern Studies from 2020 to 2023 through this detailed chart. It compares these figures against the national average for all graduates, offering a comprehensive look at the earning potential of Middle Eastern, South Asian And African Studies Middle Eastern Studies relative to other fields. This data is essential for students assessing the return on investment of their education in Middle Eastern, South Asian And African Studies Middle Eastern Studies, providing a clear picture of financial prospects post-graduation.

Minimum Wages in South Africa increased to 28.79 ZAR/Hour in 2025 from 27.58 ZAR/Hour in 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Minimum Wages- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Seychelles recorded the highest Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in Africa as of 2023, at 16,940 U.S. dollars. The African island was, therefore, the only high-income country on the continent, according to the source's classification. Mauritius, Gabon, Botswana, Libya, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Algeria, and Namibia were defined as upper-middle-income economies, those with a GNI per capita between 4,516 U.S. dollars and 14,005 U.S. dollars. On the opposite, 20 African countries recorded a GNI per capita below 1,145 U.S. dollars, being thus classified as low-income economies. Among them, Burundi presented the lowest income per capita, some 230 U.S. dollars. Poverty and population growth in Africa Despite a few countries being in the high income and upper-middle countries classification, Africa had a significant number of people living under extreme poverty. However, this number is expected to decline gradually in the upcoming years, with experts forecasting that this number will decrease to almost 400 million individuals by 2030 from nearly 430 million in 2023, despite the continent currently having the highest population growth rate globally. African economic growth and prosperity In recent years, Africa showed significant growth in various industries, such as natural gas production, clean energy generation, and services exports. Furthermore, it is forecast that the GDP growth rate would reach 4.5 percent by 2027, keeping the overall positive trend of economic growth in the continent.

South Africa Annual Salary: Mining: Male data was reported at 101,162,448.773 ZAR th in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 90,896,537.984 ZAR th for 2014. South Africa Annual Salary: Mining: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 20,434,325.411 ZAR th from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2015, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 101,162,448.773 ZAR th in 2015 and a record low of 4,515,132.502 ZAR th in 1984. South Africa Annual Salary: Mining: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Mineral Resources. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G031: Gross Employee Earnings: Mining Sector.

Explore the progression of average salaries for graduates in Archaeology (With Specialization In Political Studies Of S. African Society) from 2020 to 2023 through this detailed chart. It compares these figures against the national average for all graduates, offering a comprehensive look at the earning potential of Archaeology (With Specialization In Political Studies Of S. African Society) relative to other fields. This data is essential for students assessing the return on investment of their education in Archaeology (With Specialization In Political Studies Of S. African Society), providing a clear picture of financial prospects post-graduation.

As of 2024, the average annual salary of selected high-paid professions in South Africa was highest among radiation oncologists, with **** million South African rand (around ******* U.S. dollars) per annum. Neurosurgeons followed, with **** million South African rand (approximately *******) per year.

In 2022, South African households had an average disposable income of over ****** South African rand (approximately ***** U.S. dollars). This was slightly higher than the previous year where the average disposable income was ****** South African rand (around ***** U.S. dollars). Within the observed period, the disposable income of households in the country was highest in 2018 at ****** South African rand (about ***** U.S. dollars), while it was lowest in 2004.

South Africa Real Avg Monthly Earnings: Dec2016 Prices: IB: Wholesale and Retail Trade, Hotels and Restaurants data was reported at 12,581.000 ZAR in May 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,557.000 ZAR for Feb 2018. South Africa Real Avg Monthly Earnings: Dec2016 Prices: IB: Wholesale and Retail Trade, Hotels and Restaurants data is updated quarterly, averaging 12,625.000 ZAR from May 2015 (Median) to May 2018, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12,755.000 ZAR in Nov 2017 and a record low of 12,353.000 ZAR in Feb 2016. South Africa Real Avg Monthly Earnings: Dec2016 Prices: IB: Wholesale and Retail Trade, Hotels and Restaurants data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G023: Nominal and Real Average Monthly Earnings: 2016 Business Sampling Frame.

Abstract

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa. Since 2008, StatsSA have produced an annual dataset based on the QLFS data, "Labour Market Dynamics in South Africa". The dataset is constructed using data from all four QLFS datasets in the year. The dataset also includes a number of variables (including income) that are not available in any of the QLFS datasets from 2010.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The QLFS sample covers the non-institutional population except for those in workers' hostels. However, persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Each year the LMDSA is created by combining the QLFS waves for that year and then including some additional variables. The QLFS master frame for this LMDSA was based on the 2011 population census by Stas SA. The sampling is stratified by province, district, and geographic type (urban, traditional, farm).

There are 3324 PSUs drawn each year, using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. In the second stage Dwelling Units (DUs) are systematically selected from PSUs. The 3324 PSU are split into four groups for the year, and at each quarter the DUs from the given group are replaced by substitute DUs from the same PSU or the next PSU on the list (in the same group). It should be noted that the sampling unit is the dwelling, and the unit of observation is the household. Therefore, if a household moves out of a dwelling after being in the sample for, two quarters and a new household moves in, the new household will be enumerated for two more quarters until the DU is rotated out. If no household moves into the sampled dwelling, the dwelling will be classified as vacant (or unoccupied).

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire consists of the following sections: - Particulars of each person in the household - Economic activities in the last week for persons aged 15 years - Unemployment and economic inactivity for persons aged 15 years - Main work activity in the last week for persons aged 15 years - Earnings in the main job for employees, employers and own-account workers aged 15 years - Migration for all persons aged 15 years

Response rate

For more information see the statistical release that accompanies the data.

Data appraisal

The statistical release notes that missing values were "generally imputed" for item non-response but provides no detail on how Stats SA did so.