In 2025, South Africa’s education sector implemented a teacher salary adjustment to address the rising cost of living and retain skilled educators. The public education sector received an average 4.7% salary increase in October 2025, as part of the government’s effort to support teachers amid ongoing economic challenges.
Overview of the 2025 Teacher Pay Revision
The 2025 salary review follows continued negotiations between the Department of Basic Education and teacher unions. It reflects the government’s recognition of inflationary pressures and the essential role of teachers in strengthening South Africa’s education system.
New Salary Levels for Teachers (2025)
The new monthly gross salary levels, excluding housing and medical allowances, vary based on rank, experience, and job responsibilities.
| Role | Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Teacher | R12,250 |
| High School Teacher | R25,000 |
| Head of Department | R45,000 |
| Deputy Principal | R53,000 |
| Principal | R63,000 – R95,000 |
Other Benefits and Allowances
- Medical Subsidy: Between R1,800 and R3,700 monthly, depending on years of service.
- Housing Subsidy: From R750 to R1,998 monthly, based on seniority and geographic location.
- Pension and Retirement Benefits: Teachers remain enrolled in the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
Impact of the Pay Revision
The 2025 salary adjustments aim to boost morale, retain experienced teachers, and improve recruitment in the education sector. However, experts note that challenges such as workload, classroom resources, and staff shortages still need to be addressed to improve teaching quality nationwide.
Payment Timing and Implementation
- New salary scales became effective from October 2025.
- Payroll offices must implement the changes in the next pay cycle and may backdate adjustments where applicable.
- Teachers can confirm the increase on their October or November payslips.
FAQs
Q1: When does the new teacher pay take effect?
From October 2025.
Q2: What is the starting salary for new teachers in 2025?
Approximately R12,250 per month.
Q3: Are there additional allowances?
Yes — teachers receive medical and housing subsidies in addition to their base salaries.
The 2025 teacher salary revision underscores South Africa’s continued commitment to improving educators’ welfare, aligning compensation with inflation, and maintaining high standards across the education system.
