National Minimum Wage in South Africa 2026: R30.23 an Hour Explained

Last reviewed: 19 October 2026

Short answer: the national minimum wage in South Africa is R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked, from 1 March 2026, up from R28.79, a 5% increase. It applies to domestic workers and farm workers too. Workers on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) have a separate minimum of R16.62 an hour. For a 40-hour week, the minimum works out to about R5,240 a month, or about R5,895 for a 45-hour week. The rates were gazetted by the Department of Employment and Labour on 3 February 2026.

Key takeaways

• National minimum wage: R30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026 (was R28.79).
• Same rate for domestic workers and farm workers.
• EPWP workers: R16.62 an hour.
• About R5,240 a month for 40 hours a week; about R5,895 for 45 hours.
• The minimum is for ordinary hours: overtime, Sunday and public holiday work must be paid at higher rates.

What is the minimum wage in South Africa in 2026?

Category	Before 1 March 2026	From 1 March 2026
Most workers	R28.79 an hour	R30.23 an hour
Domestic workers	R28.79 an hour	R30.23 an hour
Farm workers	R28.79 an hour	R30.23 an hour
Expanded Public Works Programme	R15.83 an hour	R16.62 an hour

Source: Department of Employment and Labour, Government Gazette, 3 February 2026. Learnership stipends follow separate rules.

How much is the minimum wage per day, week and month?

Hours a week	Per 8-hour day	Per week	Per month (approx.)
40 hours	R241.84	R1,209.20	R5,240
45 hours	R241.84 (9 hours: R272.07)	R1,360.35	R5,895

Monthly figures use 52 weeks ÷ 12 months. 45 hours is the legal maximum for ordinary hours in a week.

What deductions can come off the minimum wage?

On minimum-wage earnings, you won't pay income tax, because annual pay of about R63,000–R71,000 is well below the R99,000 tax threshold for 2026/27. You will usually pay UIF, which is 1% of your pay (your employer pays another 1%). Your employer can't make deductions that push your pay below the minimum, except those allowed by law or agreed in writing.

Are domestic workers covered?

Yes. Since 2022, domestic workers have been entitled to the full national minimum wage. Employers of domestic workers must also register them for UIF and COIDA, give them a written contract and pay them for overtime and public holidays.

How does the minimum wage compare with average pay?

Average monthly earnings in the formal non-agricultural sector were R30,611 in May 2026 (Stats SA). That's almost six times the full-time minimum wage, but many workers earn far less than the average. Read our average salary in South Africa guide.

What can I do if I'm paid less than the minimum wage?

1. Keep records: payslips, bank statements, your contract and the hours you worked.
2. Raise it with your employer in writing.
3. Contact the Department of Employment and Labour. Labour inspectors can investigate and order payment.
4. Refer a dispute to the CCMA if it's not resolved. Underpayment can be claimed back.

How can I earn more than the minimum wage?

• Get a recognised qualification through a learnership or trade. See our learnerships guide.
• Build skills that are in demand, including digital and AI skills.
• Browse the latest jobs in South Africa, including jobs in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Sources

• Department of Employment and Labour, National Minimum Wage adjustment, Government Gazette, 3 February 2026
• National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 and Basic Conditions of Employment Act
• Statistics South Africa, Quarterly Employment Statistics, Q2 2026
• SARS, 2026/27 tax thresholds