Teachers Salary
South Africa 2026.
Public school teacher salaries by post level — from Grade R educators to principals. Figures are gross monthly before PAYE and UIF deductions, sourced from the DPSA OSD for Educators circular.
Key takeaways
- ✓Teacher salaries are determined by REQV level (qualifications) and post level (Grade R teacher to principal).
- ✓A REQV 13 (3-year diploma) post level 1 teacher earns approximately R24,000–R28,000/month in 2026.
- ✓Annual notch progressions are automatic after meeting service requirements under the ELRC agreement.
- ✓Teachers contribute to the GEPF pension fund and qualify for a government medical aid subsidy.
Entry teacher (B.Ed.)
~R29,000
Post Level 1, REQV 14
Experienced teacher
R35,000+
10+ yrs, Post Level 1
HOD
R33,000+
Post Level 2
Principal
R63,000+
Post Level 4–5
Salary by post level
Post Level 1 — Educator (Grade R–12)
Classroom teacher (qualified, SACE registered)
Entry range
R 13 500 – R 31 000
The range covers REQV 10–12 (shorter programmes, from ~R13,500/month) through REQV 14 B.Ed. graduates. A newly qualified teacher with a 4-year Bachelor of Education (REQV 14 — the standard requirement since 2019) starts at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month. Progression is notch-based (~2% per year on satisfactory IQMS rating).
Post Level 2 — Senior Educator / HOD
Head of Department (HOD)
Entry range
R 33 000 – R 58 000
Appointed to manage a subject department. Annual range approximately R400,000–R700,000. Requires at least 4–5 years experience as a Post Level 1 educator.
Post Level 3 — Deputy Principal
Deputy Principal
Entry range
R 46 000 – R 71 000
Second-in-command at a school. Annual range approximately R550,000–R850,000. Manages curriculum and administration under the principal.
Post Level 4–5 — Principal
School Principal
Entry range
R 63 000 – R 92 000
Annual range approximately R750,000–R1,100,000+. Varies significantly by school quintile and learner numbers. Large secondary school principals earn above R92,000/month.
Data: DBE REQV salary schedule · ELRC Resolution 1 of 2024 · See methodology
How teacher pay progression works
Public school teachers in South Africa are paid on a notch scale under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for Educators, governed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and DPSA. Here's how progression works:
Notch progression
Each year of satisfactory service (IQMS score ≥ 3) earns you one notch advancement — approximately a 2% salary increase.
Promotional post (HOD / Deputy / Principal)
Moving up a post level requires applying for an advertised post. You cannot progress to Post Level 2 without being appointed to an HOD role.
Experience credit
Years of prior approved teaching experience (including private school or TVET) can be credited, moving a new appointee higher on the entry notch.
Performance bonus
A cash bonus is paid in December. It is not guaranteed — it requires a satisfactory or above performance rating and availability of departmental funds.
What do teachers take home after tax?
Use the PAYE calculator to see exact take-home pay for any teacher salary.
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 — the standard requirement) starts at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month gross in the public sector. 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 upward.
Do teachers get a 13th cheque?
Public school teachers receive a performance bonus (not a guaranteed 13th cheque) based on their annual performance rating. Teachers who score a satisfactory or higher rating receive a cash bonus equivalent to roughly 1% of their annual salary in December.
How is teacher pay progression determined?
Teacher pay in the public sector progresses along a salary notch scale. A teacher advances one notch (approximately 2%) for each year of satisfactory service. Notch progression is automatic if the teacher achieves a satisfactory performance rating (score of 3/4 or above on the IQMS instrument).
What qualifications do you need to be a teacher in South Africa?
To teach in a public school, you need a minimum REQV 13 (Relative Education Qualification Value) — typically a four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a three-year degree plus a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You must also register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
How does a Grade R teacher salary compare?
Grade R teachers employed directly by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) are on the standard Post Level 1 OSD scale and earn the same as other qualified teachers — a B.Ed. graduate starts at approximately R29,000–R31,000/month. However, many Grade R practitioners are employed by NGOs or ECD centres at much lower rates, sometimes as low as R3,000–R7,000/month, as these positions fall outside the public service OSD scale.
Do private school teachers earn more?
Private schools are not bound by the OSD salary scales and often pay market-related salaries. Established private schools (e.g. ISASA members) typically pay 10–30% above public sector rates and may offer additional benefits such as school fee rebates. However, salaries vary widely by institution.
Source: DBE Educator Salary Notches — 1 April 2025 (Government Gazette 52227, GoN 5957, March 2025); SAOU Salary Scales page. REQV 14–17 (notches 164–326) ranged from ~R352,000–R764,000/year before the 5.5% April 2025 increase. Figures are approximate gross monthly ranges. Updated annually after the DBE salary gazette.
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