High School Teacher (FET Phase) Salary — South Africa 2026
R 23 000/month – R 45 000/month gross monthly · Entry-level role
✓ Fact-checkedUpdated May 2026Sources: DBE Educator Salary Notches (April 2025)·ELRC Resolution 1 of 2024
Key takeaways
- ✓High School Teacher (FET Phase) gross monthly salary ranges from R 23 000/month to R 45 000/month in 2026.
- ✓Estimated take-home pay at the midpoint (R 33 000/month) is approximately R 27 314/month after PAYE and UIF.
- ✓This is an entry-level role — minimum REQV 14 qualification and SACE registration required.
- ✓All public school teachers are GEPF pension fund members and qualify for a government medical aid subsidy.
R 23 000/month
Entry salary
R 45 000/month
Top salary
R 276 000/year
Annual (entry)
R 540 000/year
Annual (top)
Estimated take-home pay — High School Teacher (FET Phase) 2026
Estimates use 2026/2027 SARS tax brackets with the primary rebate only (age under 65). GEPF pension (7.5%), medical aid, 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 23 000 | −R 2 856 | −R 177 | R 19 967 |
| Midpoint | R 33 000 | −R 5 509 | −R 177 | R 27 314 |
| Top salary | R 45 000 | −R 9 286 | −R 177 | R 35 537 |
Get your exact take-home pay
Include GEPF pension, medical aid, and other deductions for a precise net pay figure.
About the High School Teacher (FET Phase) role
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.
FET phase teachers are typically REQV 14 (B.Ed. with specialist subject endorsement) or REQV 15 (Honours in the subject field). An experienced FET teacher with 10+ years and REQV 15 qualifications can reach R38,000–R45,000/month on the Post Level 1 scale. Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting teachers are in particularly short supply — some independent schools and TVET colleges pay market premiums above the OSD scale for these subjects. Figures are for public school OSD scale only.
Entry requirements
- ✓B.Ed. FET Phase or recognised degree + PGCE (REQV 14 minimum)
- ✓Specialist subject endorsement in a CAPS FET subject (e.g. Mathematics, English, Physical Sciences)
- ✓SACE registration with FET phase endorsement
- ✓Clear criminal record
Duties & responsibilities
- ›Teach 2–3 specialist FET subjects to Grade 10–12 classes
- ›Prepare and moderate SBA tasks (tasks, tests, assignments)
- ›Invigilate and mark Matric NSC examinations
- ›Provide learner support and intervention for at-risk pupils
- ›Submit NSC results to DBE on SASAMS
Path to this role
B.Ed. FET Phase or B.Ed. + PGCE with subject specialisation in Grades 10–12 subjects
Frequently asked questions
How much does a high school teacher earn in South Africa in 2026?
A high school (FET phase) teacher earns on the same OSD Post Level 1 scale as primary school teachers. A newly qualified REQV 14 teacher starts at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month gross. With 10+ years of service and an Honours degree (REQV 15), a FET teacher can earn R38,000–R45,000/month. Maths and Science teachers at top independent schools may earn more.
Do Maths teachers earn more than other high school teachers?
In the public school OSD system, no — all Post Level 1 teachers with the same REQV and years of service earn the same gross salary regardless of subject. The premium for Maths and Science teachers exists mainly in the private school and TVET college market, where demand significantly exceeds supply.
Can a high school teacher become a head of department?
Yes. Becoming a Head of Department (HOD) in a high school is the primary promotion route from Post Level 1 to Post Level 2. HOD posts are advertised and require a formal application through the district. A successful applicant moves from Post Level 1 to Post Level 2 with a salary increase to R33,000–R58,000/month.
What is the take-home pay for a High School Teacher (FET Phase) in South Africa?
At the midpoint salary of R 33 000/month gross, estimated take-home pay is approximately R 27 314/month per month after PAYE of R 5 509/month and UIF of R 177/month. This estimate uses 2026/2027 SARS brackets with the primary rebate only. GEPF pension contributions (7.5%) and medical aid are not included — actual take-home will be lower.
Do public school teachers contribute to a pension fund?
Yes — all public school teachers employed by a provincial Department of Basic Education are members of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). The employee contribution is 7.5% of pensionable salary and the employer contributes 13%. The GEPF provides a defined benefit pension on retirement, which is significantly more valuable than a typical private sector retirement annuity.
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