Grade R Teacher vs Traffic Officer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Grade R Teacher earns 87% more than Traffic Officer
Median R 28 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 13 000/month difference
Grade R Teacher
R 336 000/year
27% above SA workforce median
Traffic Officer
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Grade R Teacher | Traffic Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 30 000 | R 9 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 36 000 | R 15 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 44 000 | R 28 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Grade R Teacher
Grade R is now compulsory schooling in South Africa and DBE capacity is expanding. More Grade R posts are being absorbed into the formal school system. ECD practitioner salaries remain a policy issue — the sector has been advocating for parity with Post Level 1 educators.
Traffic Officer
Traffic officer employment is stable — demand is driven by municipal road safety mandates — but salary growth is modest and closely tied to government wage agreements.
See your actual take-home pay
Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Which earns more — a Grade R Teacher or a Traffic Officer in South Africa?▾
A Grade R Teacher earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Grade R Teacher is R 28 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Traffic Officer — a difference of R 13 000/month (87% higher).
What is the Grade R Teacher salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Grade R Teacher salary in South Africa is R 28 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 29 000–R 32 000/month, mid-level pays R 32 000–R 40 000/month, and senior roles pay R 38 000–R 55 000/month.
What is the Traffic Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Traffic Officer salary in South Africa is R 15 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 7 000–R 12 000/month, mid-level pays R 12 000–R 20 000/month, and senior roles pay R 20 000–R 40 000/month.
How do I calculate take-home pay for a Grade R Teacher or Traffic Officer?▾
Use the Rand Tools PAYE calculator. Enter the gross monthly salary and it will calculate your exact take-home pay after PAYE income tax, UIF (1% of gross, capped at R177.12/month), and any pension or medical aid contributions.