Teachers in South Africa will benefit from a significant salary increase starting in April 2025. This follows an agreement between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and public sector unions. The agreement includes a 5.5% wage increase for all teachers, applied retroactively, meaning educators will also receive back pay for the months before the official implementation.
This adjustment is part of a broader multi-year wage agreement signed in February 2025. The deal guarantees further salary increases in 2026 and 2027, linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a minimum of 4% and a maximum of 6%. The goal is to protect teachers’ incomes against inflation while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Understanding the Teacher Pay System
Teacher salaries in South Africa are based on two key factors: Relative Education Qualification Value (REQV) and salary notches. The REQV represents a teacher’s educational qualifications, while notches reflect years of service and experience. Together, these determine a teacher’s position on the salary scale.
- REQV 10–12: Teachers with a matric certificate and partial teacher training.
- REQV 13: Teachers holding a recognized diploma or degree.
- REQV 14–17: Teachers with advanced or postgraduate qualifications.
The system includes 432 salary notches, ranging from entry-level teachers to principals of large schools. This ensures that both qualifications and years of experience are rewarded.
Salary Scale for Classroom Teachers in 2025
The 2025 adjustments significantly increase earnings for classroom teachers across all qualification levels.
- Entry-Level Teachers (REQV 10–12, Notches 1–106): R163,179 – R268,008 per year
- Mid-Level Teachers (REQV 10–12, Notches 108–268): R270,498 – R577,407 per year
- Senior Teachers (REQV 13, Notches 200–268): R415,038 – R577,407 per year
- Master Teachers (REQV 13, Notches 232–268): R485,868 – R577,407 per year
- Teachers with Advanced Qualifications (REQV 14–17, Notches 164–326): R351,972 – R763,608 per year
A newly qualified teacher now earns around R13,600 per month, while highly experienced senior educators can earn more than R63,000 per month, showing the financial rewards of long-term career progression and advanced qualifications.
Salary Scale for School Management in 2025
Management positions have also received substantial pay increases to reflect the responsibilities of school leadership.
- Departmental Heads (Notches 210–392): R435,240 – R1,052,718 per year
- Deputy Principals (Notches 244–408): R514,563 – R1,138,056 per year
- Principals (Notches 350–432): R858,426 – R1,275,789 per year
Departmental heads now earn more than R36,000 monthly, deputy principals can earn up to R94,800, and top principals receive over R106,000 per month.
Entry-Level vs Top-End Earnings
The updated pay structure highlights the career potential within teaching:
- Entry-level teachers: R163,179 per year (about R13,600 monthly)
- Top principals: R1,275,789 per year (about R106,300 monthly)
This demonstrates teaching as a career with significant long-term earning potential, though reaching top levels requires experience and advancement into senior roles.
Additional Benefits for Teachers
Teacher salaries are complemented by benefits that enhance overall compensation. These include:
- Pension fund contributions for retirement security
- Medical aid subsidies to reduce healthcare costs
- Housing allowances to assist with accommodation expenses
- Annual bonuses and incentives that increase total earnings
These benefits make teaching a more sustainable and financially secure career.
Challenges in the Education Sector
Despite higher salaries, South Africa faces significant challenges in education. The shortage of qualified teachers, especially in mathematics and science, remains a pressing concern. Over 460 schools do not offer mathematics due to a lack of trained staff.
Key factors contributing to the shortage include:
- Universities producing graduates in oversupplied subjects
- Limited opportunities for retraining in high-demand areas
- Budget restrictions preventing schools from hiring enough teachers
- Difficulty attracting and retaining staff in rural schools
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has urged the DBE to improve workforce planning and align teacher training with the country’s needs.
Conclusion
The 2025 salary adjustments represent an important recognition of teachers’ vital role in South Africa’s development. Linking future increases to the CPI ensures greater protection against inflation.
However, higher salaries alone cannot solve all challenges. Addressing teacher shortages, improving training, and supporting subject specialization will be essential to ensure that improved pay translates into better classroom outcomes for students.