Primary School Teacher vs Traffic Officer
Salary Comparison.
Side-by-side monthly salary breakdown for South Africa in 2026 — entry to senior level, gross before tax.
Primary School Teacher earns 93% more than Traffic Officer
Median R 29 000/month vs R 15 000/month — a R 14 000/month difference
Primary School Teacher
R 348 000/year
32% above SA workforce median
Traffic Officer
R 180 000/year
32% below SA workforce median
Salary by experience level
| Level | Primary School Teacher | Traffic Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level(0–2 yrs) | R 21 000 | R 9 500 |
| Mid-level(3–6 yrs) | R 29 000 | R 15 000 |
| Senior(7+ yrs) | R 45 000 | R 28 000 |
Median monthly gross before PAYE tax · South Africa 2026
Salary range comparison
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
Key differences
Primary School Teacher
South Africa faces significant teacher shortages in Maths, Science, and Technology subjects. DBE has committed to filling thousands of vacant posts annually. Teacher attrition and emigration create ongoing demand in both public and private sectors.
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 Primary School Teacher or a Traffic Officer in South Africa?▾
A Primary School Teacher earns more on average. The median monthly salary for a Primary School Teacher is R 29 000/month, compared to R 15 000/month for a Traffic Officer — a difference of R 14 000/month (93% higher).
What is the Primary School Teacher salary in South Africa in 2026?▾
The median Primary School Teacher salary in South Africa is R 29 000/month gross in 2026. Entry-level positions pay R 18 000–R 24 000/month, mid-level pays R 24 000–R 35 000/month, and senior roles pay R 35 000–R 60 000/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 Primary School 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.