Teacher Salary
South Africa 2026.
Salary ranges for every public school educator post level — from a newly qualified classroom teacher through to principal — based on the DBE OSD notch scale after the April 2025 ELRC increase.
Key takeaways
- ✓A REQV 14 Post Level 1 teacher starts at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month gross (after the 5.5% April 2025 increase).
- ✓HODs (Post Level 2) earn R33,000–R58,000/month; deputy principals R46,000–R71,000/month.
- ✓Principals of large secondary schools earn R63,000–R110,000+/month depending on school size and quintile.
- ✓Pay progression is notch-based: ~2% per year automatically on a satisfactory IQMS performance rating.
- ✓GEPF pension: employee and employer each contribute 7.5% of pensionable salary.
Teacher salary by post level
Post Level 1 — Classroom Teacher
Post Level 1 is the entry-level classroom educator position covering all phases (Grade R through Grade 12) in South African public schools. Salary depends primarily on REQV level and years of service.
R 21 000/month–R 45 000/month
gross per month
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Grade R Teacher
Grade R teachers in South Africa work in two very different pay environments: those employed directly by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on the OSD scale, and those employed by ECD centres, NGOs, or community sites at much lower rates.
R 3 500/month–R 31 000/month
gross per month
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High School Teacher (FET Phase)
High school teachers in South Africa teach Grades 10–12 in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase. They are on the same Post Level 1 OSD scale as primary school teachers — salary depends on REQV and service, not on phase.
R 23 000/month–R 45 000/month
gross per month
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REQV 14 Teacher (B.Ed. Graduate)
REQV 14 is the standard qualification level for newly qualified South African teachers holding a four-year Bachelor of Education degree. It has been the minimum standard entry qualification for public school teachers since 2019.
R 29 000/month–R 43 000/month
gross per month
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Head of Department (HOD)
Heads of Department (HODs) in South African public schools are Post Level 2 educators responsible for managing a subject department, overseeing curriculum delivery, and supporting classroom teachers in their department.
R 33 000/month–R 58 000/month
gross per month
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Deputy Principal
Deputy Principals are Post Level 3 educators who serve as second-in-command at a public school. They assist the principal in overall school management, curriculum oversight, and staff administration.
R 46 000/month–R 71 000/month
gross per month
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School Principal
School Principals are the highest-ranking educators at a public school, responsible for all academic, administrative, financial and personnel management. Salary varies significantly by school size (learner numbers) and quintile.
R 63 000/month–R 110 000/month
gross per month
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SA teacher salary quick reference — 2026
All figures are approximate gross monthly (basic + pensionable allowances) before PAYE, UIF, and GEPF deductions. Source: DBE OSD gazette GG 52227, effective 1 April 2025 (5.5% ELRC increase).
| Post level | Min/month | Max/month |
|---|---|---|
| Post Level 1 — Classroom Teacher | R 21 000/month | R 45 000/month |
| Grade R Teacher | R 3 500/month | R 31 000/month |
| High School Teacher (FET Phase) | R 23 000/month | R 45 000/month |
| REQV 14 Teacher (B.Ed. Graduate) | R 29 000/month | R 43 000/month |
| Head of Department (HOD) | R 33 000/month | R 58 000/month |
| Deputy Principal | R 46 000/month | R 71 000/month |
| School Principal | R 63 000/month | R 110 000/month |
How does teacher pay work in South Africa?
Public school teachers in South Africa are employed by provincial Departments of Education under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for Educators, which uses a 432-notch salary scale. Your starting notch is determined by your REQV level — the Relative Education Qualification Value assigned to your teaching qualification.
The standard entry qualification since 2019 is REQV 14 — a four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a three-year degree plus a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Teachers registered at REQV 14 start at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month gross after the April 2025 ELRC 5.5% increase.
Annual notch progression
Every year that a teacher receives a satisfactory performance rating on the IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) instrument, they automatically advance one salary notch — worth approximately 2% of their current salary. This is separate from any across-the-board increase negotiated through the ELRC (Education Labour Relations Council).
Benefits and deductions
Public school teachers are members of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). Both the teacher and the Department of Basic Education contribute 7.5% of pensionable salary each month. Teachers also contribute to UIF (1% of salary, capped at R17,712/month), and PAYE is deducted monthly by the employer. The Medical Aid Subsidy Scheme (GEMS) is available at subsidised rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a teacher earn in South Africa in 2026?
A newly qualified Post Level 1 teacher with a 4-year B.Ed. degree (REQV 14) starts at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month gross. With 10+ years of experience, a classroom teacher typically earns R35,000–R45,000/month. HODs earn R33,000–R58,000/month, deputy principals R46,000–R71,000/month, and principals from R63,000/month upward.
What is the DBE OSD salary scale for teachers?
The Department of Basic Education uses a 432-notch Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) scale spanning REQV 10 to 17. Teachers progress one notch (~2%) per year on a satisfactory IQMS performance rating. A 5.5% increase applied from 1 April 2025 under ELRC Resolution 1 of 2024.
What REQV level do I need to teach in South Africa?
Since 2019, the minimum requirement to teach in a South African public school is REQV 14 — a 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a 3-year degree plus a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You must also register with SACE (South African Council for Educators).
Do teachers receive a pension in South Africa?
Yes. All public school teachers are members of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). Both the teacher and the employer (DBE) contribute 7.5% of pensionable salary each. Teachers who complete qualifying service receive a defined-benefit pension on retirement.
How are teachers promoted to HOD or principal?
Promotion to Post Level 2 (HOD), Post Level 3 (Deputy Principal), or Post Level 4–5 (Principal) requires applying for an advertised vacancy on the PERSAL system. There is no automatic promotion — teachers must meet the minimum requirements and be selected through a school-based interview panel. HODs typically need 4–5 years' Post Level 1 experience.
Data: Effective 1 April 2025 · DBE OSD Gazette 52227 · ELRC Resolution 1/2024 · SAOU salary scales · See methodology
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