Teacher Salary in South Africa | A Comparison Across Different Teaching Positions

Teaching is an important profession that profoundly impacts students’ lives and society’s future. In South Africa, teacher salaries are shaped by various factors such as qualifications, experience, and location. Understanding these salaries is crucial for both aspiring and current teachers as it affects their career decisions and financial stability. 

So, as we reach the end of 2025, it is essential to explore the current state of teachers’ salaries in South Africa. We need to know how different factors influence these wages and what they mean for the quality of education and the attractiveness of the teaching profession.

In this article, we will explore the teachers’ salaries in South Africa and how they differ by region. We will also discuss the benefits and perks of becoming a teacher in South Africa. 

Specific Salaries Across Different Teaching Roles

Understanding the teacher’s salaries in South Africa is crucial when considering a career in teaching. Each teaching position, from high school educators to primary school teachers at various stages, has its own salary structure. 

Here, we will answer the question, ‘How much do teachers earn in South Africa?’ by giving you a detailed breakdown of the salaries linked to different teaching roles.

• High School Teacher Salary: As of October 2025, Indeed reports that the average High School teacher salary in South Africa is R241,239 per year. 
• Early Childhood Teacher Salary: Based on the December 2025 reports from Indeed, the average Early Childhood teacher salary in South Africa is R140,608 per year.
• Middle School Teacher Salary: According to PayScale, as of December 2025, the average salary of Middle School Teachers is R206,697 per year. 
• Primary School Teacher Salary: As of December 2025, Primary School teachers, according to the Payscale website, earn an average salary of R203,248 per year.
• Substitute Teachers Salary: According to Indeed, Substitute Teachers can expect an average salary of R217,226 per year, as of December 2025. 

Note: These figures are subject to provincial variations, with areas like Gauteng and Western Cape offering higher salaries compared to more rural provinces.

Read more on October vs February Intake for BEd: Which Is Better for Aspiring Teachers? here

Comprehensive Salary Overview for Various Teaching Positions

Above, we discussed the average annual salaries of teachers across teaching roles. For anyone thinking of enrolling for a Bachelor of Education programme, it is equally important to understand average salaries for specific positions.

The table below lists various specific positions and their annual average salaries. The data has been sourced from various external websites and is updated as of December 2025.

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What are the Factors Affecting Teacher Salaries?

As you explore the teachers’ salaries in South Africa, you must understand that several factors influence how much teachers earn. Here, we will discuss the primary elements that impact teacher salaries:

• Qualifications and Educational Background: Teachers with advanced degrees or specialised qualifications often earn higher salaries. This is because additional education and training bring extra expertise and skills to their teaching, which can lead to increased pay.
• Years of Experience: Teachers with more experience generally earn higher salaries. This is because their extensive experience improves their teaching skills, making them more effective and valuable in the classroom.
• Position and Role: The role a teacher holds also affects their salary. For example, principals and department heads earn more than classroom teachers due to their additional responsibilities and leadership roles.

Salary for Teachers Across Different Regions in South Africa

Teacher salaries in South Africa can differ depending on where you work. These include factors like the cost of living, demand for educators, and regional educational budget allocations. Here, we have highlighted how much teachers earn in various regions of the country, making it easier to see how location can impact salary. 

Comparing Teacher Salaries with Other Careers in South Africa

Before enrolling in higher education, students typically explore various factors, including salary, to determine if the programme is the right fit. When students compare education jobs with other sectors, it helps them understand the job market.

While jobs in finance and technology typically pay higher salaries, a teaching job in the public sector offers stability, career advancement, and pension benefits.

The table below compares the average annual salary of teachers with other professions in South Africa, based on data updated in December 2025.

Additional Benefits and Perks for Government Teachers in South Africa

In addition to their base salaries, government school teachers in South Africa receive a range of benefits. These benefits are designed to improve financial stability, support long-term well-being, and make the teaching profession more rewarding.

Below are some of the common benefits provided to government school teachers:

• Pension Contributions: Teachers in public schools are entitled to pension benefits through the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). This ensures financial security and stability after retirement.
• Medical Aid Subsidies: Most government-employed teachers receive medical aid subsidies that help cover the cost of healthcare for themselves and their dependents. This support makes medical care more accessible and affordable.
• Housing Allowances: Eligible teachers may receive housing allowances, particularly valuable in areas where housing costs are high or affordable accommodation is limited.
• Thirteenth Cheque (Annual Bonus): Many government teachers receive an annual bonus, commonly referred to as the “thirteenth cheque”, which serves as additional financial relief and increases total yearly income.

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Conclusion

Understanding teacher salaries in South Africa is crucial for both current and aspiring educators. From entry-level primary school teachers to experienced high school educators, teachers’ salaries vary based on qualifications, experience, and location. Moreover, they often benefit from various perks, including pension contributions, medical aid subsidies, housing allowances, and annual bonuses, which collectively enhance their overall compensation. In this article, we have provided an overview of salary ranges for various teaching roles, highlighting how pay scales differ by region and position. 

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