Average monthly salary in South Africa 2015-2022

The average monthly salary for South Africans who were employed in the formal non-agricultural sector was just over 26 thousand South African rands (comparable to roughly 1.43 thousand U.S. dollars) in November 2022, which represented a yearly increase of 3.9 percent. During the period under review, the overall growth trend was positive, with the earnings increasing by 20.9 percent from 21.5 thousand South African rands (approximately 1.18 thousand U.S. dollars) in November 2018.   

Minimum wage and highest-paid professions

   Starting in March 2023, the minimum hourly wage in the country increased to 25.42 South African rands (comparable to 1.40 U.S. dollars), which represented an increase of 9.6 percent from 23.19 South African rands (1.27 U.S. dollars) per hour in the preceding year. On the other hand, professionals in executive and change management positions were paid the highest salaries in South Africa, with an average of 74,000 U.S. dollars yearly. Individuals with jobs in retail, trade, and craft followed, receiving an average of 66,000 U.S. dollars per annum.      

Highest unemployment among Black South Africans

In 2022, the unemployment rate in South Africa was nearly 30 percent following an increasing trend since 2008. The rate was highest among Black South Africans reaching as high as 36.8 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Moreover, Colored South Africans followed with around 22 percent, while white South Africans had a much lower unemployment rate of over 7 percent.