Government Level 5 Salary — South Africa 2026
Administrative Clerk · R 12 500/month – R 15 000/month gross basic salary · 10 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 5 gross monthly salary ranges from R 12 500/month (entry notch) to R 15 000/month (top notch) in 2026/2027.
- ✓At the midpoint of R 13 750/month, estimated take-home pay is approximately R 12 623/month after PAYE (R 990/month) and UIF (R 138/month).
- ✓Employees advance one notch per year of satisfactory performance — the annual increment at Level 5 is approximately R 278.
- ✓The 4% PSCBC increase effective 1 April 2026 applies to Level 5. This is reflected in the notch values below.
R 12 500/month
Entry notch
R 15 000/month
Top notch
R 150 000/year
Annual salary (entry)
R 180 000/year
Annual salary (top)
Level 5 PERSAL notch table — 2026/2027
The table below shows the representative notch progression for Level 5. 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 12 500 | R 150 000/year |
| Notch 2 | R 12 778 | R 153 336/year |
| Notch 3 | R 13 056 | R 156 672/year |
| Notch 4 | R 13 333 | R 159 996/year |
| Notch 5 | R 13 611 | R 163 332/year |
| Notch 6 | R 13 889 | R 166 668/year |
| Notch 7 | R 14 167 | R 170 004/year |
| Notch 8 | R 14 444 | R 173 328/year |
| Notch 9 | R 14 722 | R 176 664/year |
| Notch 10Maximum | R 15 000 | R 180 000/year |
Estimated take-home pay — Level 5
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 12 500 | −R 765 | −R 125 | R 11 610 |
| Midpoint | R 13 750 | −R 990 | −R 138 | R 12 623 |
| Top notch | R 15 000 | −R 1 215 | −R 150 | R 13 635 |
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Who works at Level 5?
Level 5 is the most common entry-level position for graduates and matriculants in the public service. Administrative clerks handle data capturing, correspondence, and routine office tasks.
Typical job titles at Level 5:
Departments that commonly employ Level 5:
Frequently asked questions
What does a Administrative Clerk earn per month in South Africa?
A Administrative Clerk at Level 5 in the South African public service earns between R 12 500/month and R 15 000/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 5 employee get?
At the midpoint of R 13 750/month gross, a Level 5 employee would receive approximately R 12 623/month net (take-home) after PAYE of R 990/month and UIF of R 138/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 5?
Level 5 has 10 notches ranging from R 12 500/month to R 15 000/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 5?
Promotion to Level 6 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 5?
Yes. The 4% increase agreed under PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025, effective 1 April 2026, applies to Level 5. 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 4
Registry Clerk / Admin Support
R 11 000/month – R 13 000/month
Higher level →
Level 6
Senior Administrative Clerk
R 15 000/month – R 18 500/month
All DPSA salary levels