Petrol Attendants in South Africa: How Tips and Tech Are Boosting Their Take-Home Pay

Filling Up More Than Just Your Tank: The True Earnings of SA’s Petrol Attendants

If you have ever pulled into a forecourt and been met with a friendly smile, a topped-up tank, a checked oil cap, and a sparkling windscreen, you have likely encountered one of the 140,000 petrol attendants who keep South Africa’s service stations running smoothly. But have you ever wondered how much they actually earn for doing all that?

The answer is more nuanced than a simple payslip.

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The Base Salary, More Than Minimum Wage

According to official figures from the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO), petrol attendants are guaranteed a minimum wage of R43.61 per hour, which amounts to approximately R7,850 per month. This wage is already higher than South Africa’s national minimum wage and is locked in until at least August 2025.

It’s a modest yet meaningful income, especially considering the physical nature of the work. From cleaning windscreens to checking fluids and inflating tyres, petrol attendants play a hands-on role in keeping motorists safe and road-ready, all while offering a level of service that’s become a uniquely South African custom.

But Here is the Twist: Tipping Changes Everything

While the base salary sets a floor, tips can raise earnings significantly. Tipping at service stations has become something of a cultural norm, albeit an inconsistent one. According to Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), attendants can earn around R30 per tip and receive up to 12 tips per shift.

That works out to an extra R360 a day, potentially adding R10,800 a month to an attendant’s income under the right conditions.

Not Everyone Tips, and That’s a Problem

A 2024 BusinessTech poll revealed the inconsistency:

• 44% of motorists don’t tip at all

• 27% tip R5

• Only 13% tip more than R10

The shift away from cash is a big reason. With fewer South Africans carrying coins or small notes, tipping has become less frequent, not because of unwillingness, but because of inconvenience.

Sasol’s “Tipped” App: A Game-Changer

To solve this, Sasol introduced a platform called “Tipped,” a mobile tipping solution created by entrepreneur Kimlynn Temple. It allows motorists to tip instantly using their phones, removing the hassle of cash.

And it’s working.

Temple says forecourt workers now receive between 12 and 20 digital tips per day, often still averaging R30 per tip. This means some attendants are now earning R10,800 to R18,000 per month, depending on location and traffic.

“It is a beautiful thing to witness,” Temple shared, describing a notable 40% increase in revenue since launch. The psychology behind digital tipping (quick, seamless, less pressure) is helping South Africans tip more, not less.

Image 1: Good Things Guy

Why This Matters

In a country where the cost of living continues to rise, petrol attendants are among the everyday heroes doing honest, physical work to keep things moving. For many, tips are not just a bonus; they’re essential.

The rise of digital tipping is more than a tech upgrade. It’s helping correct a long-standing imbalance in how we value service work. And as Temple puts it, it’s creating a shift that’s not just economic but emotional too.

How You Can Help

If you want to support local forecourt workers, consider downloading or using Sasol’s “Tipped” app next time you fill up. It’s a secure, fast way to say thank you, and it might make more of a difference than you think.

Because sometimes, it’s the R30 that matters most.

Also read: Inside the Net Worth of South Africa’s Wealthiest Politicians [2025]

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Source: TopAuto.co.za

Featured Image: Inquire Salary