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Metro Police Officer vs Traffic Officer
Salary Comparison.

Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.

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Metro Police Officer earns 13% more than Traffic Officer

Median R 17 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 2 000/month difference

Higher earner

Metro Police Officer

R17k/month

R 204 000/year

23% below SA workforce median

Traffic Officer

R15k/month

R 180 000/year

32% below SA workforce median

Salary by experience level

LevelMetro Police OfficerTraffic Officer
Entry-level(0–2 yrs)R 10 500R 9 500
Mid-level(3–6 yrs)R 17 000R 15 000
Senior(7+ yrs)R 35 000R 28 000

Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026

Salary range comparison

Entry-level

Metro Police Officer
R 10 500
Traffic Officer
R 9 500

Mid-level

Metro Police Officer
R 17 000
Traffic Officer
R 15 000

Senior

Metro Police Officer
R 35 000
Traffic Officer
R 28 000
Metro Police OfficerTraffic Officer

Key differences

Metro Police Officer

Salary rangeR8kR55k
MedianR 17 000/month
Annual (median)R204k

Metro police services are expanding as SA municipalities tackle traffic and public safety challenges, providing stable employment with modest growth.

Full Metro Police Officer salary guide →

Traffic Officer

Salary rangeR7kR40k
MedianR 15 000/month
Annual (median)R180k

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.

Full Traffic Officer salary guide →

See your actual take-home pay

Enter any gross salary to calculate PAYE, UIF, and net pay after deductions.

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Frequently asked questions

Which earns more — a Metro Police Officer or a Traffic Officer in South Africa?

A Metro Police Officer earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Metro Police Officer is R 17 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Traffic Officer — a difference of R 2 000/month (13% higher).

What is the Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa in 2026?

The median Metro Police Officer salary in South Africa is R 17 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 8 000–R 14 000/month, mid-level pays R 14 000–R 22 000/month, and senior roles pay R 25 000–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 Metro Police Officer 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.

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