Minimum wage in South Africa in 2027
R30.23 per hour1
per hourGeneral rate from March 1, 2026
No scheduled increase on record.
Year 2027
Rates in force during 2027
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
StandardSource: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))1. Subject to item 2, the national minimum wage is R30,23 for each ordinary hour worked.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R30.23March 1, 2026 – current | March 1, 2026 | current |
9 rates in force
Rates by worker type, industry and employer size
The highest rate that fits the job applies.
| Applies to | Rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| All industries | ||
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSource: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))(c) workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R16,62 per hour; and
Verified September 26, 2026 | R16.62/ hourMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| Agriculture | ||
StandardSource: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))(a) farm workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R30,23 per hour;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R30.23/ hourMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| contract cleaning | ||
Area A (metropolitan councils and listed local councils)Source: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month Rate per hour Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month R33,27 R1497,15 R6487,15 BCCCI rates apply R30,33 R1364,85 R5913,90 *Weekly rate is based on a 45-hour working week. *Monthly rate is based on 4.333 weeks.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R33.27/ hourMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
Area A (metropolitan councils and listed local councils)Source: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month Rate per hour Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month R33,27 R1497,15 R6487,15 BCCCI rates apply R30,33 R1364,85 R5913,90 *Weekly rate is based on a 45-hour working week. *Monthly rate is based on 4.333 weeks.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R1,497.15/ weekMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
Area A (metropolitan councils and listed local councils)Source: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month Rate per hour Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month R33,27 R1497,15 R6487,15 BCCCI rates apply R30,33 R1364,85 R5913,90 *Weekly rate is based on a 45-hour working week. *Monthly rate is based on 4.333 weeks.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R6,487.15/ monthMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
Area C (rest of South Africa outside Area A and KwaZulu-Natal)Source: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month Rate per hour Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month R33,27 R1497,15 R6487,15 BCCCI rates apply R30,33 R1364,85 R5913,90 *Weekly rate is based on a 45-hour working week. *Monthly rate is based on 4.333 weeks.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R30.33/ hourMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
Area C (rest of South Africa outside Area A and KwaZulu-Natal)Source: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month Rate per hour Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month R33,27 R1497,15 R6487,15 BCCCI rates apply R30,33 R1364,85 R5913,90 *Weekly rate is based on a 45-hour working week. *Monthly rate is based on 4.333 weeks.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R1,364.85/ weekMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
Area C (rest of South Africa outside Area A and KwaZulu-Natal)Source: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month Rate per hour Rate per hour *Rate per week *Rate per month R33,27 R1497,15 R6487,15 BCCCI rates apply R30,33 R1364,85 R5913,90 *Weekly rate is based on a 45-hour working week. *Monthly rate is based on 4.333 weeks.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R5,913.90/ monthMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| domestic work | ||
StandardSource: GN R.7083, Government Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 (NMW Act s 6(5))(b) domestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R30,23 per hour;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R30.23/ hourMarch 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
2019 to 2026
History
Each step is a rate row with its own quoted source.
Show the history as a table
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
StandardSourceThe Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth has announced an upward adjustment of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for 2025 from R27,58 to R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R28.79March 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2026 |
StandardSourceEmployment and Labour Minister T.W Nxesi has announced a new National Minimum Wage (NMW) determination from R25,42 to R27,58 for each ordinary hour worked. The new NMW will come into effect from 1 March 2024.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R27.58March 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
StandardSource: National Minimum Wage Commission annual review report, GN 4168, Government Gazette 49835 of December 2023This report is focused on the labour market impact of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increase that became effective on the 1st of March 2023. The updated minimum wage was set at R25.42/hour – a nominal increase of 9.6% from the previous year – and applies to all employees in South Africa.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R25.42March 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 |
StandardSourceEmployment and Labour Minister, TW Nxesi, announces that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked has been increased from R21,69 to R23.19 for the year 2022 with effect from 01 March 2022.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R23.19March 1, 2022 – March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2023 |
StandardSourceEmployment and Labour Minister TW Nxesi has announced that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked has been increased from R20,76 to R21,69 for the year 2021 with effect from 01 March 2021.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R21.69March 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 |
StandardSourceThe new rate for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked will now be R20.76. In terms of a notice as published in the Government Gazette and signed by Employment and Labour Minister, T.W Nxesi the new rate will be applicable on 01 March 2020.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R20.76March 1, 2020 – March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2020 | March 1, 2021 |
StandardSource: National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, Schedule 1 (GG 42060, GN 1303 of 27 November 2018)1. Subject to item 2, the national minimum wage is R20 for each ordinary hour worked.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R20.00January 1, 2019 – March 1, 2020 | January 1, 2019 | March 1, 2020 |
Earlier rules by employer size, worker type and condition (21)
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| All industries | |||
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSourceHowever, because of special dispensation under which they are hired workers employed on expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage increase of R15,83 from R15,16 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R15.83March 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2026 |
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSourceHowever, the workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R15,16 per hour from R13,97.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R15.16March 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSourceThe percentage increase for farmworkers and domestic workers will translate to R25,42 per hour, whilst the EPWP will be R13,97 for the same duration.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R13.97March 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 |
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSourceWorkers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R12.75 per hour;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R12.75March 1, 2022 – March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2023 |
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSourceWorkers on expanded public works programme are entitled to R11,93 per hour
Verified September 26, 2026 | R11.93March 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 |
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSourceWorkers employed on an expanded public works programme will receive a minimum wage of R11.42 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R11.42March 1, 2020 – March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2020 | March 1, 2021 |
Workers employed on an Expanded Public Works ProgrammeSource: National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, Schedule 1 (GG 42060, GN 1303 of 27 November 2018)(c) workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R11 per hour from a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette; and
Verified September 26, 2026 | R11.00January 1, 2019 – March 1, 2020 | January 1, 2019 | March 1, 2020 |
| Agriculture | |||
StandardSourceThe Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth has announced an upward adjustment of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for 2025 from R27,58 to R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked. South Africa introduced the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act In 2019. In terms of the policy instrument, this obligates employers to pay workers a minimum amount per hour. The National Minimum Wage is subject to annual review and increases annually from 1 March. Application of the National Minimum Wage The National Minimum Wage amendment is enforced by law and binding from 1 March 2025. Violations of the Act are subject to fines. The National Minimum Wage determination Includes vulnerable sectors such as farm workers and domestic workers, whom since 2022, were aligned with the NMW rates.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R28.79March 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2026 |
StandardSourceEmployment and Labour Minister T.W Nxesi has announced a new National Minimum Wage (NMW) determination from R25,42 to R27,58 for each ordinary hour worked. The new NMW will come into effect from 1 March 2024. The National Minimum Wage determination also includes the vulnerable sectors of farm workers and the domestic workers – whom since 2022 were aligned with the NMW rates.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R27.58March 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
StandardSourceThe percentage increase for farmworkers and domestic workers will translate to R25,42 per hour, whilst the EPWP will be R13,97 for the same duration.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R25.42March 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 |
StandardSourceFarmworkers are entitled to a minimum wage of R23.19 per hour;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R23.19March 1, 2022 – March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2023 |
StandardSourceFollowing a transitional phase, the farm worker sector has been aligned with the NMW rate of R21,69 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R21.69March 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 |
StandardSourceIn terms of the new determination farmworkers are entitled to a minimum wage of R18.68 per hour,
Verified September 26, 2026 | R18.68March 1, 2020 – March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2020 | March 1, 2021 |
StandardSource: National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, Schedule 1 (GG 42060, GN 1303 of 27 November 2018)(a) farm workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R18 per hour from a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R18.00January 1, 2019 – March 1, 2020 | January 1, 2019 | March 1, 2020 |
| domestic work | |||
StandardSourceThe Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth has announced an upward adjustment of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for 2025 from R27,58 to R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked. South Africa introduced the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act In 2019. In terms of the policy instrument, this obligates employers to pay workers a minimum amount per hour. The National Minimum Wage is subject to annual review and increases annually from 1 March. Application of the National Minimum Wage The National Minimum Wage amendment is enforced by law and binding from 1 March 2025. Violations of the Act are subject to fines. The National Minimum Wage determination Includes vulnerable sectors such as farm workers and domestic workers, whom since 2022, were aligned with the NMW rates.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R28.79March 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 | March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2026 |
StandardSourceEmployment and Labour Minister T.W Nxesi has announced a new National Minimum Wage (NMW) determination from R25,42 to R27,58 for each ordinary hour worked. The new NMW will come into effect from 1 March 2024. The National Minimum Wage determination also includes the vulnerable sectors of farm workers and the domestic workers – whom since 2022 were aligned with the NMW rates.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R27.58March 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 | March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
StandardSourceThe percentage increase for farmworkers and domestic workers will translate to R25,42 per hour, whilst the EPWP will be R13,97 for the same duration.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R25.42March 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 |
StandardSourceDomestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R23.19 per hour;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R23.19March 1, 2022 – March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2023 |
StandardSourceThe domestic workers sector will be entitled to R19,09 per hour and could be expected to be aligned with the NMW when the next review is considered.
Verified September 26, 2026 | R19.09March 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022 | March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2022 |
StandardSourceDomestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R15.57 per hour,
Verified September 26, 2026 | R15.57March 1, 2020 – March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2020 | March 1, 2021 |
StandardSource: National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, Schedule 1 (GG 42060, GN 1303 of 27 November 2018)(b) domestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R15 per hour from a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette;
Verified September 26, 2026 | R15.00January 1, 2019 – March 1, 2020 | January 1, 2019 | March 1, 2020 |
R30.23 / hour
Calculators
Estimates before tax at this rate. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What this wage pays
| Weekly | R1,209.20 |
|---|---|
| Monthly52 weeks ÷ 12 | R5,239.87 |
| Annual52 weeks | R62,878.40 |
| Overtime rate1.5× where overtime applies | R45.35 |
2 questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in South Africa in 2027?
R30.23 per hour since March 1, 2026. For a 40-hour week that is about R1,209.20 a week or R62,878.40 a year before tax.
Is the minimum wage in South Africa increasing?
No increase is scheduled on record as of October 1, 2026. Inflation-indexed jurisdictions announce the next figure a few months before it takes effect.
1 level of law
How this rate is resolved
The highest minimum that covers the work location applies.
Employers must pay the highest minimum that covers the work location. WageTable checks each level in turn:
- South Africa
South Africa sets 10 rules of its own.
Notes on this jurisdiction's rules and sources
National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 (in force 1 January 2019), hourly rate in ZAR adjusted each 1 March by the Minister on the National Minimum Wage Commission's recommendation. Farm and domestic workers started below the general rate (R18 and R15 in 2019); farm workers converged in 2021, domestic workers in 2022. EPWP workers keep a lower rate. Contract cleaning (SD 1) and wholesale and retail (SD 9) sectoral determinations are adjusted in the same notice.
South Africa
Enforcement
Enforced by Department of Employment and Labour.
Underpaid?File a wage claim