Government Level 13 Salary — South Africa 2026
Chief Director · R 76 000/month – R 95 000/month gross basic salary · 5 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 13 gross monthly salary ranges from R 76 000/month (entry notch) to R 95 000/month (top notch) in 2026/2027.
- ✓At the midpoint of R 85 500/month, estimated take-home pay is approximately R 60 384/month after PAYE (R 24 939/month) and UIF (R 177/month).
- ✓Employees advance one notch per year of satisfactory performance — the annual increment at Level 13 is approximately R 4 750.
- ✓Level 13 is a Senior Management Service (SMS) level. Pay is structured as a Total Cost to Employer (TCE) package with annual performance bonuses of up to 14%.
Senior Management Service (SMS)
SMS members receive a TCE package (basic salary + benefits structured as allowances). The figures here represent the basic salary component only. Annual performance bonuses of up to 14% apply.
R 76 000/month
Entry notch
R 95 000/month
Top notch
R 912 000/year
Annual salary (entry)
R 1 140 000/year
Annual salary (top)
Level 13 PERSAL notch table — 2026/2027
The table below shows the representative notch progression for Level 13. 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 76 000 | R 912 000/year |
| Notch 2 | R 80 750 | R 969 000/year |
| Notch 3 | R 85 500 | R 1 026 000/year |
| Notch 4 | R 90 250 | R 1 083 000/year |
| Notch 5Maximum | R 95 000 | R 1 140 000/year |
Estimated take-home pay — Level 13
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 76 000 | −R 21 044 | −R 177 | R 54 779 |
| Midpoint | R 85 500 | −R 24 939 | −R 177 | R 60 384 |
| Top notch | R 95 000 | −R 28 834 | −R 177 | R 65 989 |
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Who works at Level 13?
Level 13 Chief Directors are Senior Management Service (SMS) members who head branches of a department. Remuneration is a Total Cost to Employer (TCE) package. A master's degree and 8–10+ years' senior experience is the norm.
Typical job titles at Level 13:
Departments that commonly employ Level 13:
Frequently asked questions
What does a Chief Director earn per month in South Africa?
A Chief Director at Level 13 in the South African public service earns between R 76 000/month and R 95 000/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 13 employee get?
At the midpoint of R 85 500/month gross, a Level 13 employee would receive approximately R 60 384/month net (take-home) after PAYE of R 24 939/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 13?
Level 13 has 5 notches ranging from R 76 000/month to R 95 000/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 13?
Promotion to Level 14 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 13?
Level 13 is a Senior Management Service (SMS) level. The 4% PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025 applies specifically to salary levels 1–12. SMS members at levels 13–16 have their own remuneration determination process. Check the DPSA's SMS remuneration framework for the applicable increase for Level 13.
← Lower level
Level 12
Director
R 55 000/month – R 68 000/month
Higher level →
Level 14
Deputy Director-General (DDG)
R 96 000/month – R 125 000/month
All DPSA salary levels