Government Level 14 Salary — South Africa 2026
Deputy Director-General (DDG) · R 96 000/month – R 125 000/month gross basic salary · 4 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 14 gross monthly salary ranges from R 96 000/month (entry notch) to R 125 000/month (top notch) in 2026/2027.
- ✓At the midpoint of R 110 500/month, estimated take-home pay is approximately R 75 134/month after PAYE (R 35 189/month) and UIF (R 177/month).
- ✓Employees advance one notch per year of satisfactory performance — the annual increment at Level 14 is approximately R 7 250.
- ✓Level 14 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)
DDGs receive a TCE package. Performance bonuses are paid annually subject to performance agreements. Housing allowance and vehicle allowance are typically structured into the TCE.
R 96 000/month
Entry notch
R 125 000/month
Top notch
R 1 152 000/year
Annual salary (entry)
R 1 500 000/year
Annual salary (top)
Level 14 PERSAL notch table — 2026/2027
The table below shows the representative notch progression for Level 14. 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 96 000 | R 1 152 000/year |
| Notch 2 | R 105 667 | R 1 268 004/year |
| Notch 3 | R 115 333 | R 1 383 996/year |
| Notch 4Maximum | R 125 000 | R 1 500 000/year |
Estimated take-home pay — Level 14
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 96 000 | −R 29 244 | −R 177 | R 66 579 |
| Midpoint | R 110 500 | −R 35 189 | −R 177 | R 75 134 |
| Top notch | R 125 000 | −R 41 134 | −R 177 | R 83 689 |
Get a precise take-home pay calculation
Enter your gross salary to include medical credits, pension, and other deductions.
Who works at Level 14?
Level 14 Deputy Directors-General lead entire branches of a government department, typically reporting directly to a Director-General. Appointments are on fixed-term performance contracts.
Typical job titles at Level 14:
Departments that commonly employ Level 14:
Frequently asked questions
What does a Deputy Director-General (DDG) earn per month in South Africa?
A Deputy Director-General (DDG) at Level 14 in the South African public service earns between R 96 000/month and R 125 000/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 14 employee get?
At the midpoint of R 110 500/month gross, a Level 14 employee would receive approximately R 75 134/month net (take-home) after PAYE of R 35 189/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 14?
Level 14 has 4 notches ranging from R 96 000/month to R 125 000/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 14?
Promotion to Level 15 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 14?
Level 14 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 14.
← Lower level
Level 13
Chief Director
R 76 000/month – R 95 000/month
Higher level →
Level 15
Director-General / Head of Department
R 130 000/month – R 165 000/month
All DPSA salary levels