Public Service Salary Levels South Africa 2026/27

Quick answer: In the 2026/27 financial year, South African public service salary levels start at about R144 024 a year at Level 2 (cleaners, general workers) and rise to roughly R932 292 at Level 11 (deputy directors) and R1 885 710 at Level 15 (deputy directors-general). These figures are the entry notches currently shown in DPSA vacancy circulars and include the 4% cost-of-living increase that took effect on 1 April 2026 for Levels 1 to 12.

If you are reading a government advert and wondering what "R338 106 per annum (Level 07)" really means for you, this guide explains every level, the kinds of jobs at each one, and what to check before you apply.

What changed for public servants in 2026/27?

On 24 April 2026 the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) confirmed a 4% salary adjustment for 2026/27, issued through DPSA Circular 15 of 2026. Key points:

Effective date: 1 April 2026, and the increase is pensionable.
Who it covers: employees on salary levels 1 to 12 and those on Occupation Specific Dispensations (OSDs) appointed under the Public Service Act.
Why 4%: it gives effect to PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025. National Treasury projected CPI at 3.4%, which is below the agreed 4% floor, so the floor applies.
Not included: Senior Management Service (Levels 13 to 16) was to be dealt with separately, and sector staff under the SAPS, Education, Defence and Correctional Services Acts are handled by their own departments.
Interns: stipends were also adjusted to the new scales from 1 April 2026.

Public service salary levels 2026/27: entry notch by level

The amounts below are the annual entry salaries printed in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circulars 37 and 38 of 2026 (October 2026). Monthly figures are the annual amount divided by 12, before tax and deductions, and are rounded.

Level 2: R144 024 a year (about R12 002 a month). Typical posts: cleaner, garden worker, food service aid, general worker.
Level 3: R170 226 a year (about R14 186 a month). Typical posts: tradesman aid, road worker, handyman.
Level 4: R201 093 a year (about R16 758 a month). Typical posts: driver/messenger, telecom operator, data capturer.
Level 5: R237 453 a year (about R19 788 a month). Typical posts: HR clerk, finance clerk, supply chain clerk, registry clerk.
Level 6: R280 278 a year (about R23 356 a month). Typical posts: senior clerk-type and officer posts such as cadastral officer.
Level 7: R338 106 a year (about R28 176 a month). Typical posts: provisioning officer, ICT technician, state accountant, facilities officer.
Level 8: R413 001 a year (about R34 417 a month). Typical posts: senior administrative officer, senior auditor, senior project officer.
Level 9: R487 197 a year (about R40 600 a month). Typical posts: assistant director.
Level 10: R605 742 a year (about R50 478 a month). Typical posts: assistant director (higher-graded posts), project coordinator.
Level 11: R932 292 a year (about R77 691 a month). Typical posts: deputy director. Often offered as an all-inclusive package.
Level 12: R1 101 468 a year (about R91 789 a month). Typical posts: deputy director (higher-graded), senior project manager.
Level 13: R1 317 384 a year, all-inclusive package. Typical posts: director.
Level 14: R1 554 696 a year, all-inclusive package. Typical posts: chief director.
Level 15: R1 885 710 a year, all-inclusive package. Typical posts: deputy director-general.

Level 1 posts are rarely advertised in the weekly circular, and Level 16 is reserved for directors-general, so they are not listed here.

Why some adverts show a higher figure for the same level

You will sometimes see a range, for example "R237 453 – R279 708 per annum (Level 05)" or "R338 106 – R398 277 per annum (Level 07)". Each level has several salary notches. Most adverts offer the first notch, but a department may advertise a higher notch, or offer one based on recognised experience. The level number tells you the grade of the post; the rand figure tells you where on that grade you will start.

Salary vs all-inclusive package

"Per annum, plus service benefits" (usually Levels 2 to 10): you get the basic salary plus separate benefits such as the employer pension contribution, a 13th cheque (service bonus), and access to medical aid and housing allowance if you qualify.
"All-inclusive package" (common from Level 11 and standard for SMS posts): the figure already includes benefits. Adverts typically state that about 70% is basic salary and the rest is a flexible portion you can structure, so your take-home pay will be lower than the headline figure suggests.

OSD posts are paid differently

Nurses, doctors, engineers, social workers, legal professionals and other specialised roles are usually paid under an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD). Their adverts show "Grade 1" or "Grade 1–2" and a separate salary range instead of a level number. Educators, police officers, soldiers and correctional officials also have their own salary structures. For these jobs, see our nurse salary guide for South Africa and our teacher salary guide.

Which level can you apply for with your qualifications?

Requirements differ by department and post, so always read the advert. As a rough guide from current circulars:

Levels 2 to 4: often ask for an NQF Level 1 qualification (such as Grade 9 or an ABET Level 4 certificate) or Grade 12, sometimes with no experience required. A valid driver's licence is usually needed for driver/messenger posts.
Level 5: most clerk posts ask for Grade 12 (matric). Many accept candidates with no experience. See the latest matric jobs in DPSA Circular 38 of 2026.
Levels 6 to 8: usually a diploma or degree plus a few years of relevant experience.
Levels 9 to 12: a degree plus several years of experience, often including supervisory or junior management experience.
Levels 13 and above: a relevant degree (often NQF 7 or 8), years of middle or senior management experience, and the Nyukela SMS pre-entry certificate before appointment.

How to apply for a government post at the right level

Find the weekly circular. The DPSA publishes the Public Service Vacancy Circular every week except in December. Provinces also advertise on their own portals.
Match your qualifications to the level. Don't apply only for the highest salary. Apply where you meet every listed requirement, because departments screen applications strictly.
Complete the new Z83 form. The circular requires the new Z83 that has been in use since 1 January 2021. Follow our step-by-step guide to filling in the Z83 form.
Quote the reference number exactly as it appears in the advert, and send your application to the department named, not to the DPSA.
Meet the closing date. Late applications are not considered. For example, many posts in Circular 38 of 2026 close on 6 or 9 November 2026.

No experience yet? A government internship is a common way in. Read our guide to government internships in South Africa for 2026/27.

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary for Level 5 in the public service in 2026?

The entry notch for Level 5 in October 2026 circulars is R237 453 a year, or about R19 788 a month before deductions. Some Level 5 posts are advertised up to R279 708 a year.

How much does a Level 7 public servant earn?

Level 7 starts at R338 106 a year (about R28 176 a month) in current adverts. Some departments advertise Level 7 posts at up to R398 277 a year.

Did public servants get an increase in 2026?

Yes. Employees on Levels 1 to 12 and on OSDs received a 4% cost-of-living adjustment effective 1 April 2026, under PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025 and DPSA Circular 15 of 2026.

What level is a deputy director in the public service?

Deputy director posts are usually advertised at Level 11, starting at R932 292 a year as an all-inclusive package. Some higher-graded deputy director posts are at Level 12, starting at R1 101 468.

Is the salary in a government advert what I take home?

No. The advertised amount is the gross annual salary or package. PAYE tax, your pension (GEPF) contribution and medical aid (if you join a scheme) are deducted, so monthly take-home pay is lower.

Sources

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By the Jobsiz Editorial Team · Updated 26 October 2026. Salary figures are taken from official DPSA vacancy circulars and may differ for specific posts; always confirm in the advert.

Public Service Salary Levels in South Africa 2026/27: What Each Level Pays