SAPS Constable Salary — South Africa 2026
R 16 000/month – R 21 000/month gross monthly · Entry rank
✓ Fact-checkedUpdated May 2026Sources: SIOPSA SAPS Salary Scales·DPSA Salary Circular 2026
Key takeaways
- ✓SAPS Constable gross monthly salary ranges from R 16 000/month to R 21 000/month in 2026.
- ✓Estimated take-home pay at the midpoint (R 18 500/month) is approximately R 16 478/month after PAYE and UIF.
- ✓Constable is accessible through direct entry (graduate recruitment) or promotion from the previous rank.
- ✓SAPS members also receive a housing allowance (R1,320/month), GEPF pension, and medical aid benefits in addition to basic salary.
R 16 000/month
Entry salary
R 21 000/month
Top salary
R 192 000/year
Annual (entry)
R 252 000/year
Annual (top)
Estimated take-home pay — SAPS Constable 2026
Estimates use 2026/2027 SARS tax brackets with the primary rebate only (age under 65). GEPF pension (7.5%), medical aid contributions, and other deductions are not included — actual take-home will be lower. Use the PAYE calculator for a personalised breakdown.
| Salary point | Gross/month | PAYE | UIF (1%) | Est. take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry salary | R 16 000 | −R 1 395 | −R 160 | R 14 445 |
| Midpoint | R 18 500 | −R 1 845 | −R 177 | R 16 478 |
| Top salary | R 21 000 | −R 2 336 | −R 177 | R 18 487 |
Get your exact take-home pay
Include pension, medical aid, and other deductions for a precise net pay figure.
About the Constable rank
Constable is the entry rank in the South African Police Service. All new recruits begin as constables after completing the SAPS Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP) at a police college.
The official SAPS salary scale places the lowest Band A constable notch at approximately R226,188/year (~R18,849/month). Entry pay varies depending on qualifications and placement notch. Constables progress through Band A notches annually.
Entry requirements
- ✓Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
- ✓South African citizenship
- ✓Age 18–35
- ✓No criminal record
- ✓Physically and psychologically fit
- ✓Pass SAPS entrance assessment
Duties & responsibilities
- ›Patrol assigned area and respond to calls
- ›Investigate minor crimes and incidents
- ›Arrest suspects and secure crime scenes
- ›Complete crime reports and statements
- ›Appear in court and give evidence
Promotion path to Constable
Direct entry (BPDLP graduate)
Frequently asked questions
How much does a SAPS Constable earn per month in 2026?
A SAPS Constable earns between R 16 000/month and R 21 000/month in gross monthly salary in 2026. This is gross pay before PAYE, UIF, and other deductions. At the midpoint of R 18 500/month, estimated take-home pay is approximately R 16 478/month after PAYE of R 1 845/month and UIF of R 177/month.
How do you become a SAPS Constable?
Constable is an entry-level commissioned officer rank. Direct entry (BPDLP graduate). Requirements include: Grade 12 (Matric) certificate; South African citizenship; Age 18–35; No criminal record; Physically and psychologically fit; Pass SAPS entrance assessment.
What is the take-home pay for a SAPS Constable?
At the midpoint salary of R 18 500/month gross, a SAPS Constable takes home approximately R 16 478/month per month. PAYE deducted is approximately R 1 845/month and UIF is R 177/month. This estimate uses 2026/2027 SARS brackets with the primary rebate only — GEPF pension contributions and medical aid deductions are not included, so actual take-home will be lower.
Does the SAPS Constable rank receive additional allowances?
Yes. In addition to basic salary, SAPS members receive a housing allowance (R1,320/month for members not in SAPS accommodation), a uniform allowance, and GEPF pension fund employer contributions. Members may also qualify for danger allowances in specialised high-risk units.
How long does promotion to Constable take?
Constable can be an entry-level appointment for graduate recruits, or a promotion from the previous rank. For direct entry, the key requirement is completing the SAPS selection and training process.
All SAPS ranks
– R 21 000/month
– R 32 000/month
– R 42 000/month
– R 50 000/month
– R 60 000/month
– R 72 000/month
– R 84 000/month
– R 98 000/month
– R 125 000/month
– R 165 000/month