Education is an important factor for change and with quality teachers, it can be achieved. However, the availability of these teachers is hugely affected by the type of income they receive from rendering these services. This article will discuss the average teachers salary in South Africa in 2023.
Average Teachers Salary in South Africa
South Africa has payment structures for teachers according to their level and years of experience. According to newshub360.net, the average salary of a teacher in South Africa is R33,000 every month, which equals R396,000 every year.
The usual range of wages in South Africa is between R15,8000 (low average) and R60,200 (highest average). But despite the significance of the greater amount, these wages tend to consist of numerous inclusion of transportation and accommodation, among others.
An individual should remember that this income’s major influence is the demand level for the specific subject teacher. Different teaching areas are in high demand and require a lot of qualified workers. In addition, an individual’s experience usually plays an important role in their salary structure.
The Average Number of Teachers In South Africa
According to Statista the average number of teachers in South Africa was 450,993 in 2022. It represented an increase of about 3,870 teachers compared to 2021. Among the provinces in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng had the largest number of teachers.
Paycheck Variance
Paycheck variance is the average wage that includes advantages like transportation, food, lodging, and other expenses. According to ubsapp.com, the average teacher’s salary in South Africa varies majorly on one’s years of experience, gender, education, skill, and location. Below is a detailed breakdown depending on each criterion.
Salary Comparison by Experience
One’s level of experience is a crucial factor that determines income earned. Individuals with more experience tend to earn more from their teaching profession than others. According to salaryexplorer.com, teachers with less than two years experience earn up to R12,600.
Those with 2-5 years of experience earn up to R16,800, 5-10 years of experience earn approximately R24,800, and 10-15 years of experience earn up to R30,300. The more prominent group is the 15-20 and 20 upwards. They are considered to be the most experienced and earn the highest; 15-20 earn up to R33,000, while 20 upwards earn about R35,700.
Salary Comparison By Education
The level of education plays a pivotal role in an individual’s earnings, and it affects every job opportunity in South Africa. Their education level equally influences teachers’ salaries in South Africa.
According to research, those with master’s degrees tend to earn more (approximately R28,200) than bachelor degree holders (R14,600), with a greater percentage of 93. To earn more, one would need to consider their level of educational attainment.
Salary Comparison By Gender
Even though gender shouldn’t matter when allocating salaries, it does. In South Africa, teachers’ salary is also influenced and awarded according to one’s gender.
According to statistics, male teachers earn up to R25,400 compared to female teachers who earn up to R22,800. As a result of this salary difference, it can be seen that male employees earn 12% more than their female counterparts in the education sector.
Compared with other careers, males earn 8% with R35,500 compared to R30,100 women earn.
Average Salary Increment In South Africa
In South Africa, there are salary increments for different careers, and this usually happens every 1 to 2 years. According to safacts.co.za, teachers in South Africa experience a salary increase of 11% every 19 months. All professionals receive up to 8% every 18 months due to the national average annual increments.
Average Teachers Salary in South Africa According to Area of Specialization
There are different areas of specialization when it comes to teaching and impacting the lives of children. Below are the teacher’s salaries in South Africa according to the area of specialization.
Grade R Teachers
According to various findings, the average monthly salary earned by Grade R Teachers is R7,411; this equals R89,212 yearly. One could receive more depending on their level of experience in the area of specialization. Grade R Teachers are crucial to a child’s development as they directly influence their behaviour.
Substitute Teachers
There are few numbers of substitute teachers given the limited role which one is allowed to carry out. Numerous individuals see this as a temporary position before entering the teaching profession permanently. The average salary paid to Substitute Teachers is R118,632 annually.
High School Teachers
In South Africa, high school teachers are considered to be the benchmark for regulating of other areas of specialization in the teaching profession. The average salary received by High School Teachers is R33,000, which equals R396,000. Experience matters a lot when it comes to receiving a salary.
Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers are important in the early learning life of a student. Through their service, students can have a good learning foundation. The average salary of a Primary School Teacher in South Africa is R25,200, which is equivalent to receiving R302,400 every year.
Preschool Teachers
A preschool teacher earns an average of R6,698 every month, which equals R80,376 yearly. An individual can earn even more if they work at a high-paying institution; their experience level is also significant.
Correction Teachers
The Department of Corrections is the employer of correctional teachers and determines their salary. In South Africa, a Correctional Teacher earns an average pay of R16,430, which equals R197,170 annually. An individual can considerably earn more if they acquire the needed years of experience.
Factors Influencing the Average Teachers Salary in South Africa
Like other professions, the education sector has numerous factors that affect employees salary. Teachers tend to be paid based on certain factors; according to indeed.com/career, below are the factors that influence a teacher’s salary.
Level of Experience
Teachers with many years of teaching experience tend to earn more than those starting as a beginner. The increments they earn which comes every two years, further leads to higher salary. In addition, their level of expertise is hugely welcomed and valued by school administrators.
Location
The location where an individual practice his or her profession also determines the worth of income they receive. The same goes for the teaching profession; schools in more prominent areas allocate more to education and tend to pay more. Teachers who work in these areas tend to be rewarded with massive salaries for their jobs.
Type of School
Different types of schools offer different rates to their employees. Depending on the type of school and their facilities, one could earn huge payments. Private schools are known to allocate more for teachers welfare compared to public schools.
Educational Background
Educational background is another determining factor that affects one’s earnings in the teaching profession. Usually, teachers are required to earn at least a bachelor’s degree to start their career. Those who obtain more educational certificates are considered to earn more from their services.
Specific Role
The role an individual plays in a specific learning institution affects their income. High school teachers earn more money than elementary school teachers. In addition, those who are eligible to instruct special education students tend to earn more on average.
Teachers to Students Ratio In South Africa
According to theglobaleconomy.com, the ratio of teachers to students is 30.33 students to a teacher. This value is based on the research conducted and estimates carried out in 2015; South Africa has numerous students in need of teachers’ guidance.
Government Teacher Vs. Private Teacher: Who Earns More
There is often confusion regarding a teacher’s earnings while working in an institution of learning. According to southafricalists.com, government school teachers are heavily regarded as the best and most effective in the education sector; their needs are handled.
On the other hand, private school teachers are paid according to their services with the inclusion of experience and level of education. It is considered that they are also paid heavily on the grounds of where they work.
Government teachers in South Africa earn an average of R33,000 every month. Most experienced government teachers earn up to R60,200 while start-up is R15,800. At the same time, private teachers in South Africa earn an average salary of R26,463. One could earn up to R52,689, considering one’s place of work.
Government teachers are considered the highest salary earners in the education sector; they earn more than other professions. Also, they have favourable conditions for working, and they are unionized, which further increases their strength.