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Teacher Salaries in South Africa 2025: Average Pay Explained

Published

3 months ago

June 23, 2025

Chiraag

teacher salaries 2025, DBE salary increase, REQV levels, public vs private teacher income, mathematics teacher shortage, Joburg ETC

In 2025, teaching in South Africa remains a vital profession, shaping the future of the nation. However, debates about whether teachers receive adequate compensation persist amid ongoing challenges such as subject shortages and economic pressures. This article provides a comprehensive overview of teacher salaries in 2025, including recent pay adjustments, benefits, and the broader context affecting educators today.

2025 Salary Increase and Updated Pay Structure

On 1 April 2025, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) implemented a 5.5% salary increase for all teachers. This raise is part of a multi-year agreement that includes inflation-linked increases for 2026 and 2027, capped between 4% and 6% to protect against economic fluctuations.

Teacher salaries are organised into 432 salary “notches” that reflect a combination of factors: the Relative Education Qualification Value (REQV) level, years of teaching experience, and job responsibilities. Entry-level teachers, classified within REQV levels 10 to 12, start at approximately R163,179 annually, or about R13,600 per month. At the higher end, principals at the P5 level can earn up to R1,275,789 per year, which equates to roughly R106,300 monthly.

Teacher Salary Breakdown by Role

Grade R / Preschool Teachers: R6,700–R7,400 per month (~R80,000–R89,000/year)
Primary School Teachers: R25,200/month (~R302,000/year)
High School Teachers: R25,000–R33,000/month (~R300,000–R396,000/year)
Mathematics Teachers: R24,000/month (~R288,000/year)
Private School Teachers: R26,463/month (~R318,000/year)
Principals / Heads of Department: R45,000–R106,300/month (~R540,000–R1.28 million/year)

When combining data from both public and private sectors, the national average teacher salary in South Africa in 2025 is estimated to be between R246,000 and R252,000 per year, or just over R20,000 per month.

Benefits and Perks Beyond Base Salary

In addition to base salaries, South African teachers receive several benefits that enhance their total compensation package. These include:

Medical aid subsidies: R1,800–R3,700/month
Housing allowances: R750–R1,998/month
Government pension linked to retirement
Annual bonuses, commonly referred to as the 13th cheque

Despite these benefits, many educators feel that their compensation does not fully reflect the demands and importance of their work, especially when compared to international standards.

Grade R teacher pay, high school teacher salary South Africa, principal income 2025, housing allowance for teachers, pension benefits for educators, Joburg ETC

Image 1: Pexels

The Mathematics Teacher Shortage

One of the most pressing challenges in South African education is the shortage of qualified mathematics teachers. The Department of Basic Education reports that 464 public schools currently cannot offer mathematics classes due to insufficient staffing or low learner demand.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) attributes this shortage to poor workforce planning, limited opportunities for retraining existing teachers, and a disconnect between university training programmes and national skills needs. SADTU secretary Mugwena Maluleke has emphasised that without clear guidance from the DBE, universities struggle to prepare graduate teachers adequately for the realities of the classroom.

Social Sentiment and Community Reaction

Social media platforms and community forums reveal widespread frustration among educators and the public. Many highlight the moral and emotional weight of teaching in underserved areas, the pressures that lead to burnout or career changes, and express admiration for teachers who continue despite difficult conditions.

While the recent salary increases have been welcomed, it is clear that financial improvements alone are insufficient. The profession requires sustained professional support, adequate curriculum resources, and long-term strategic planning to address systemic challenges.

Implications for Prospective Teachers

For those considering a career in teaching, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Job security is strong, with formal pay progression linked to qualifications and years of experience. Salaries typically increase over time, especially for teachers who pursue postgraduate credentials.

Specialised fields, such as mathematics and educational leadership, offer higher pay and are in high demand, reflecting the critical need for talent in these areas.

Teacher salaries in South Africa in 2025 reflect a complex landscape. The recent 5.5% salary increase has improved entry-level pay and elevated compensation for leadership roles. However, persistent challenges related to teacher supply, training, and working conditions indicate that more comprehensive solutions are necessary.

For educators, families, and policymakers alike, understanding the full scope of teacher compensation and the profession’s challenges is essential for making informed decisions and advocating for a stronger, better-supported education system.