The average salary in South Africa in 2024 is 31,300 ZAR which is approximately 1747.82 USD according to the Salary Explorer.
South Africa is one of the largest economies in Africa, powered by its rich natural resources, manufacturing, and growing service sector.
In this blog, you will explore the average salaries in South Africa, minimum and maximum wages, cost of living, and recent outsourcing trends. Let’s dive in!
Average Salary in South Africa
According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey of South Africa, the average monthly earnings in the formal non-agricultural sector including bonuses and overtime payments increased by 2.6% from 27,511 ZAR (1540.61 USD) in May 2024 to 28,200 ZAR (1579.20 USD) in August 2024. However, earnings varied significantly across industries, with sectors like financial services offering higher wages compared to manufacturing and mining.
According to the Salary Explorer, the average annual salary in South Africa in 2024 is around 375,000 ZAR which is equal to 20940.36 USD.
The average monthly salary in South Africa in 2024 is 31,300 ZAR which is around 1747.82 USD.
The average hourly wage in South Africa in 2024 is 180 ZAR which is equivalent to 10.05 USD.
Minimum Wage in South Africa
According to the National Minimum Wage Announcement of the South Africa Department of Employment and Labour, the minimum wage in South Africa will increase to 27.58 ZAR (1.54 USD) per hour in 2024. The minimum income is the lowest amount that employers must pay their workers for each hour of work.
The increase from the previous rate of 25.42 ZAR (1.42 USD) per hour represents an 8.5% rise. This change is significant for many workers, especially those in vulnerable sectors like farm workers and domestic workers, who will also earn this new minimum wage.
It is important to remember that the minimum wage does not include extra payments like transport costs, food, or accommodation. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) law applies to most workers and their employers in South Africa. However, it does not cover members of the military or intelligence services.
The NMW was first introduced in 2019 at a rate of 20 ZAR (1.12 USD) per hour and has been increasing over the years to help workers cope with rising living costs. Employers must follow this law, and those who do not can face penalties.
Median Income in South Africa
The median salary in South Africa in 2024 is 27,200 ZAR per month which is nearly 1522.48 USD per month according to the Salary Explorer. This indicates that half of the employees receive less than this amount, while the other half get more. This median salary is important because it gives a clear picture of what most people earn in South Africa.
Maximum Salary in South Africa
According to the Salary Explorer, the maximum salary in South Africa in 2024 is 139,000 ZAR which is around 7780.32 USD. Those in high positions or specialized fields typically earn the highest compensation. These positions usually require significant training and expertise.
Highest Paying Jobs in South Africa in 2024
Let’s take a look at some of the highest-earning professions in South Africa in 2024:
| Job | Average Monthly Salary in South Africa in ZAR | Average Monthly Salary in South Africa in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist | 75,100 | 4203.52 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 70,100 | 3923.65 |
| Chief Financial Officer | 67,600 | 3783.72 |
| Financial Manager | 61,600 | 3447.89 |
| Pilot | 57,700 | 3229.60 |
| Sales Manager | 57,400 | 3212.81 |
| General Manager | 55,200 | 3089.67 |
| Human Resources Manager | 48,800 | 2731.45 |
| Pharmacist | 43,200 | 2418.00 |
| Developer / Programmer | 32,700 | 1830.29 |
Source: Salary Explorer
Factors Affecting Average Salary in South Africa
Analyzing wage differences in South Africa is important for you to understand how various factors affect pay. Different jobs, cities, and other elements can lead to changes in salaries. Looking closely at these factors helps you grasp the overall picture of income in the country and can guide your efforts to improve fairness in wages for all workers.
1) By Profession
Salaries in South Africa can be very different depending on the job. The table below shows how different jobs can lead to different pay levels.
| Profession | Average Salary in South Africa in ZAR per Month | Average Salary in South Africa in USD per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | 23,500 | 1316.17 |
| Graphic Designer | 20,500 | 1148.15 |
| Photographer | 18,100 | 1013.68 |
| Pilot | 57,700 | 3231.63 |
| Business Development Manager | 51,100 | 2861.98 |
| Health and Safety Officer | 14,500  | 812.11 |
| General Manager | 55,200 | 3091.61 |
Source: Salary Explorer
2) By City
Average salaries also change based on where a person works in South Africa. Here are some average monthly salaries by city:
| City | Average Salary in South Africa in ZAR per Month | Average Salary in South Africa in USD per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Bloemfontein | 30,400 | 1702.63 |
| Cape Town | 36,400 | 2038.67 |
| Johannesburg | 33,500 | 1876.25 |
| Port Elizabeth | 31,600 | 1769.83 |
| Pretoria | 32,800 | 1837.04 |
Source: Salary Explorer
Cost of Living in South Africa
Let’s take a look at the cost of living in South Africa according to the Numbeo survey:
Grocery Prices
Bread costs around 18 ZAR (1.01 USD) per month.
1 litre of milk costs 19 ZAR (1.06 USD) per month.
12 Eggs cost 41 ZAR (2.30 USD) per month.
1 kg chicken costs around 81 ZAR (4.54 USD) per month.
1 kg apples cost 27 ZAR (1.51 USD) per month.
Transportation
A one-way bus ticket costs 27 ZAR (1.51 USD) per month.
A monthly transport pass costs 800 ZAR (44.84 USD) per month.
Taxi start price is 20 ZAR (1.12 USD) per month
1 litre of gasoline costs around 23 ZAR (1.29 USD) per month
Accommodation
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 8,103 ZAR (454.16 USD) per month
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs around 6,553 ZAR (367.28 USD) per month
A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 16,200 ZAR (907.98 USD) per month
Other Costs
60 Mbps internet costs nearly 735 ZAR (41.20 USD) per month
A gym membership costs around 577 ZAR (32.34 USD) per month
Top 3 Best Outsourcing Industries in South Africa
South Africa has become a popular place for outsourcing due to its skilled workforce and cost advantages. Here are the top three industries that companies often outsource to South Africa:
1) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
The BPO sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa. According to the Grand View Research On South Africa Outsourcing, in 2023, the market was valued at approximately 33.01 billion ZAR (1.85 billion USD) and is projected to grow to 64.24 billion ZAR (3.60 billion USD) by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% from 2024 to 2030. The country is particularly attractive for international companies due to its competitive operational costs and a large pool of skilled, multilingual professionals. The BPO industry employs over 270,000 people, expecting this number to rise to 775,000 by 2030.
2) Information Technology (IT) Services
According to the Statista report, the IT services sector is rapidly expanding in South Africa, with revenue expected to reach 39.27 billion ZAR (2.20 billion USD) in 2024. Companies are increasingly outsourcing IT functions to improve efficiency and access advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The growth in this sector is supported by a strong educational system producing around 60,000 IT graduates annually. This talent pool helps businesses enhance their technological capabilities while reducing costs.
3) Customer Support Services
Customer support services, including call centers, are a significant part of South Africa’s outsourcing landscape. The country has emerged as a top choice for international businesses looking to provide customer service due to its favorable time zone and high-quality service delivery. Reports indicate that South Africa has an 18% higher customer experience satisfaction rating compared to competitors like India and the Philippines. The industry continues to grow, with Cape Town becoming a key hub for these operations.
Maximize Your Remote Teams’ Productivity Effortlessly Using Time Champ
To get better results, it’s important for businesses to track the productivity of remote teams. Without the right tools, it’s hard to know how employees spend their time at work, which makes it hard to improve performance and efficiency. No matter if your team is located in South Africa or another country, Time Champ helps you to be more productive and gain more information about your employees’ performance.
Time Champ automatically tracks employee work hours and generates detailed reports of productive, unproductive, and neutral time. These reports helps to easily understand team performance and make improvements.
Businesses face challenges in managing projects and tracking budgets effectively when teams are working from different locations. Time Champ offers powerful project management features that help businesses assign tasks, manage workflows, and track project deadlines effortlessly. Budget tracking becomes simpler using Time Champ which helps to keep projects on schedule and within budgets.
For businesses looking to monitor remote employees effectively, Time Champ provides effective monitoring features like screenshot capturing, live screen monitoring, and screen recordings. Time Champ generates automatic timesheets based on the hours employees work on tasks, making payroll management easier. Â Know more about Time Champ!
Final Words
Understanding salaries in South Africa and outsourcing trends gives a clear overview of the job market and economy. In South Africa, wages differ by various factors showing both challenges and opportunities. Outsourcing is growing because it saves costs and uses skilled workers effectively. South Africa is becoming a strong choice for global businesses, offering local talent and supporting business growth. These trends can influence careers and business decisions in many ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good salary in South Africa depends on the cost of living in a specific region and individual circumstances. For urban areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town, a higher income is needed due to increased living expenses. Generally, earning above the national median salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle.
Â
South Africa’s average salary is lower than that of developed countries like the United States and the UK but higher than many other African nations. However, the cost of living in South Africa is also comparatively lower, making the salaries relatively balanced for the local economy.
Yes, South Africa, like many other countries, experiences a gender pay gap. Men typically earn more than women, even in similar roles, though there have been efforts to address this disparity through legislation and workplace policies.
Salaries vary significantly across provinces. Gauteng, being the economic hub, generally offers the highest wages, while provinces like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape have lower average salaries due to fewer economic opportunities.
Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of salaries over time, particularly for middle- and lower-income earners. Employers in some industries have adjusted wages to keep up with inflation, but this varies widely.
