Office Manager Salary in South Africa: Steps to Earn Higher Wages

An Office Manager is responsible for administrative tasks, staff management, and organising schedules and activities. Depending on the size of the company, an Office Manager can help to plan, organise, and direct all daily functions, or they can be responsible for a particular C-Suite office, such as that of the Chief Operating Officer (CEO).

Those who work as office managers gain valuable skills that can be transitioned into roles such as Human Resource Manager or Operations Manager as they gain more experience.

In this article, we will cover the average Office Manager salary in South Africa and the steps managers can take to improve their earnings. 

What is the Office Manager Salary in South Africa?

The office manager’s salary in South Africa varies depending on the size of the company, experience, and qualifications of the employee. Most companies require office managers to have an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Business Management to qualify for this position. 

This allows candidates to understand the workings of various functional departments and allows them to contribute positively to the growth of the company. The office manager’s salary range in South Africa falls anywhere between R16,410 to R22,500 per month.

The Office Manager’s salary can be affected by various factors, such as the following:

• Experience: Managers with previous experience typically earn more since they are attuned to the needs of functional departments and in organising activities that can help motivate staff or improve operations.
• Industry: An Office Manager in specialised sectors such as finance or technology might earn a higher salary than a non-government organisation (NGO) manager. This could be due to the more complex nature of the tasks.
• Company size: Typically, larger organisations with more employees pay higher salaries due to more resources and increased responsibilities.
• Location: This can be a defining factor since companies in larger cities pay higher wages based on the comparative cost of living. 

Read more on What is a BBA Degree? Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Business Qualification here

What is the Entry-Level Office Manager Salary?

Fresh graduates who wish to gain experience in administrative tasks can begin their careers as office managers. As they work with various functional departments and gain experience, they can choose to transition into Marketing, Public Relations, or Human Resources. 

According to Talent.com, the average entry-level salary of an Office Manager in South Africa is R195,000, as of December 2024. Various factors, such as educational qualification, accreditation of the institute, and internship, can affect the salary of entry-level office managers.

What is the Experienced Office Manager Salary Per Month?

Office managers can command higher salaries as they gain experience in their role or across an industry. Experienced office managers can earn up to R195,000 annually as of December 2024, according to Talent.com.

Experience is one of the main factors that helps to define salary, since it allows managers to tackle tasks more efficiently. However, in addition to experience, an Office Manager must also have these skills:

• Budgeting: They might be required to oversee finances, especially in smaller firms, and having accounting knowledge can be helpful for their growth.
• Technological Proficiency: An Office Manager must have technological competency to arrange schedules, plan events, and communicate with various stakeholders.
• Communication: They must have strong communication skills since they work with various departments and interact with senior employees. This is an important skill for all managerial positions. 
• Organisation: Office managers need to be organised to efficiently schedule and manage various meetings and activities within the office. 
• Leadership: They must also have leadership skills and confidence, which can create a more productive work environment.

Read more on The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace here

What is the Office Manager Salary Per Month?

According to Talent.com, an Office Manager in South Africa earns an average of R22,500 per month as of December 2024. The average monthly earnings can vary depending on the location of the job. Typically, office managers who work in larger cities earn higher monthly wages.

The table below lists the average monthly Office Manager salary according to Indeed.com based on the location of the job role. The figures are updated as of December 2024.

Job Location	Average Monthly Salary
Cape Town	R19,731
Centurion	R18,709
Sandton	18,409
Bloemfontein	R19,315
Midrand	R17,813

How to Improve Your Earnings as an Office Manager?

The average earnings of an Office Manager consider all office managers’ salaries irrespective of experience, location, company size, etc. However, an Office Manager can improve their monthly earnings as they gain experience or if they complete additional certifications. 

These are some ways in which an Office Manager can increase their salary:

1. Certifications

An Office Manager can choose to complete certifications such as Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), which teaches them about organisational communication and project management.

2. Target Higher-Paying Industries

Office managers can switch over to companies that operate in industries where employees are paid higher wages on average, such as finance and technology.

3. Quantitative Performance

During annual reviews or when applying for a new job, office managers should always be able to quantify their contribution and how it positively affected expansion or growth. 

4. Take on More Responsibilities

They can use their network and the skills they have gained to transition to jobs that require additional responsibilities such as a Warehouse Manager or Operations Manager.

Conclusion

An Office Manager helps manage administrative tasks, staff coordination, and scheduling activities. Their role may vary based on the company’s size and can range from overseeing daily operations to managing specific executive offices, such as that of the Chief Operating Officer. 

The Office Manager salary can be affected by various factors such as education, experience, and the company’s size. With experience, office managers gain a transferable skill set that opens opportunities to transition into higher roles like Human Resource Manager or Operations Manager.

Students who are interested in this role should visit the Regenesys website today to learn the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Business Administration.

Office Manager Salary in South Africa – FAQs