There is a significant disparity in pay among education workers in South Africa: while entry-level teachers earn around R169,700 per year, school principals can earn over R1.3 million annually.
Principals of public schools in South Africa are among the highest-paid educators in the country, and their salaries increase substantially as teachers advance to leadership and senior positions.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Basic Education, Siphiwe Govender, released the latest salary scales for education workers, which came into effect on April 1, 2026. Govender stated: 'The applicable salary increases effective from April 1, 2026, for relevant employee categories are detailed in the salary tables in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.'
The updated scales demonstrate how much teachers and school leaders can earn at different levels, with those at the top of the educational hierarchy earning significantly more than classroom teachers. The pay structure also utilizes Relative Educational Qualifications Value (REQV) levels, which reflects the teacher's level of qualification and training and helps determine their position in the salary structure.
How Much Do Teachers Earn in South Africa
The latest salary scales show a substantial difference between the income of teachers at the start of their careers and what they can earn after moving into senior roles. At the lowest level, an entry-level specialist earns R169,707 per year, which is approximately R14,142 per month before tax.
At the opposite end of the scale, a P5 principal can earn up to R1.33 million per year, equivalent to approximately R110,569 per month before tax. However, a principal's actual salary depends on the applicable position level and mark. For example, the published range for P5 is from R892,764 to R1,326,822.
Between these extremes are experienced and specialized teachers, whose incomes depend on their qualification level, position held, and salary mark. For instance, teachers in the REQV 14–17 category can earn between R366,051 and R794,151 per year (corresponding to R30,970 and R66,179).
A senior teacher with REQV 13 can earn from R431,640 to R600,504 per year (approximately R35,970 to R50,042), and a Master Teacher with REQV 14–17 can earn from R505,302 to R794,151 (from R42,108 to R66,180).
Those who move into school management can earn even more. Department heads can earn up to R1,094,826 per year, and deputy principals up to R1,183,578. At the highest level, a P5 principal can earn from R892,764 to R1,326,822 per year.