South Africa’s highest-paid principals can earn more than R1.3 million a year, while entry-level teachers earn about R169,700, highlighting the wide salary gap across the profession
South Africa’s top public school principals are among the highest-paid educators in the country, with salaries rising significantly as teachers move into senior and management positions.
Earlier this year, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube gazetted the latest salary scales for educators, which came into effect in April 2026.
"The applicable salary adjustment effective from 01 April 2026 for the relevant categories of employees is detailed in the salary scales in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 as attached," Gwarube said.
The updated scales show how much teachers and school leaders can earn across different levels, with those at the top of the education hierarchy commanding salaries well above those of ordinary classroom teachers.
