Government Level 10 Salary — South Africa 2026
Assistant Director (Senior) · R 34 000/month – R 40 000/month gross basic salary · 9 PERSAL notches · 4% PSCBC increase from 1 April 2026.
✓ Fact-checkedUpdated 1 April 2026Sources: DPSA PERSAL notch table·PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025
Key takeaways
- ✓Level 10 gross monthly salary ranges from R 34 000/month (entry notch) to R 40 000/month (top notch) in 2026/2027.
- ✓At the midpoint of R 37 000/month, estimated take-home pay is approximately R 30 074/month after PAYE (R 6 749/month) and UIF (R 177/month).
- ✓Employees advance one notch per year of satisfactory performance — the annual increment at Level 10 is approximately R 750.
- ✓The 4% PSCBC increase effective 1 April 2026 applies to Level 10. This is reflected in the notch values below.
R 34 000/month
Entry notch
R 40 000/month
Top notch
R 408 000/year
Annual salary (entry)
R 480 000/year
Annual salary (top)
Level 10 PERSAL notch table — 2026/2027
The table below shows the representative notch progression for Level 10. Actual PERSAL notch values may differ slightly by post type and OSD category — the figures here are based on the 2026/2027 DPSA salary circular (4% PSCBC increase from 1 April 2026).
| Notch | Monthly (gross) | Annual (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Notch 1Entry | R 34 000 | R 408 000/year |
| Notch 2 | R 34 750 | R 417 000/year |
| Notch 3 | R 35 500 | R 426 000/year |
| Notch 4 | R 36 250 | R 435 000/year |
| Notch 5 | R 37 000 | R 444 000/year |
| Notch 6 | R 37 750 | R 453 000/year |
| Notch 7 | R 38 500 | R 462 000/year |
| Notch 8 | R 39 250 | R 471 000/year |
| Notch 9Maximum | R 40 000 | R 480 000/year |
Estimated take-home pay — Level 10
Estimates use 2026/2027 SARS tax brackets with the primary rebate only (age under 65). Medical aid credits, pension contributions, and other deductions are not included — use the full PAYE calculator for a personalised breakdown.
| Notch | Gross/month | PAYE | UIF (1%) | Est. take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry notch | R 34 000 | −R 5 819 | −R 177 | R 28 004 |
| Midpoint | R 37 000 | −R 6 749 | −R 177 | R 30 074 |
| Top notch | R 40 000 | −R 7 679 | −R 177 | R 32 144 |
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Who works at Level 10?
Level 10 senior assistant directors oversee functional units with broader mandates. Posts typically require a relevant honours degree or a degree with 5+ years' relevant experience.
Typical job titles at Level 10:
Departments that commonly employ Level 10:
Frequently asked questions
What does a Assistant Director (Senior) earn per month in South Africa?
A Assistant Director (Senior) at Level 10 in the South African public service earns between R 34 000/month and R 40 000/month in gross basic salary for the 2026/2027 financial year, following the 4% PSCBC increase effective 1 April 2026. The exact amount depends on the employee's PERSAL notch — new appointees typically start at or near the minimum notch.
How much take-home pay does a Level 10 employee get?
At the midpoint of R 37 000/month gross, a Level 10 employee would receive approximately R 30 074/month net (take-home) after PAYE of R 6 749/month and UIF of R 177/month. This estimate uses 2026/2027 SARS tax brackets with the primary rebate only — it excludes medical aid credits, pension deductions, and housing allowances, which would further affect the net amount.
How do PERSAL notches work for Level 10?
Level 10 has 9 notches ranging from R 34 000/month to R 40 000/month. Employees are placed on a specific notch when appointed. If their performance is rated satisfactory or above, they advance one notch per year until they reach the maximum notch for their level. Notch advancement is automatic for satisfactory performers — it is not subject to budget availability.
How do you get promoted from Level 10?
Promotion to Level 11 is not automatic. An employee must apply for an advertised vacancy at the higher level. Post advertisements appear on the DPSA's online public service vacancy circular, departmental websites, and Careers24 / other job boards. Strong performance ratings and relevant qualifications improve competitiveness.
Does the 4% government salary increase apply to Level 10?
Yes. The 4% increase agreed under PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025, effective 1 April 2026, applies to Level 10. This increase is reflected in the notch values shown on this page. All non-SMS levels (1–12) are covered by this resolution.
← Lower level
Level 9
Assistant Director
R 27 500/month – R 34 000/month
Higher level →
Level 11
Deputy Director
R 43 000/month – R 55 000/month
All DPSA salary levels