Minimum Wage Checker South Africa 2026
Updated for the 2026/27 tax year · SARS & BCEA aligned · Free, no sign-up
2026 planning checker using the historical R28.79/hour rate effective 1 March 2025—not a verified 2026 rate.
Related: payroll software South Africa · SARS-compliant payroll · cloud payroll software South Africa · payroll guides
Minimum Wage Checker
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Payroll Africa turns this calculation into an automated monthly run — SARS-aligned PAYE, UIF and SDL, payslips, EMP201 and IRP5 filings, from R90/month.
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We will send a written breakdown of your calculation, plus a short note on what the same figures look like when Payroll Africa runs them every month. No spam, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Which minimum wage does this checker use?
The national minimum wage benchmark used here is R28.79 per ordinary hour, effective 1 March 2025. Rates are reviewed annually, with changes generally effective each 1 March. This page does not assert a 2026 rate: check the current Department of Employment and Labour notice.
Monthly conversion
Monthly hours are weekly hours × 52 ÷ 12. Enter ordinary pay and ordinary hours on a consistent basis, excluding overtime premiums and allowances that do not count towards the statutory minimum wage.
A benchmark check is not a compliance certificate
Sectoral or bargaining-council minima may be higher. Learnership schedules, applicable exceptions and minimum daily-payment rules can also affect the amount owed. Meeting this historical benchmark alone does not establish compliance for 2026.
Quick reference
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| 40 ordinary hours/week at R28.79 | R 1 151,60 |
| 40 hours/week, monthly equivalent at R28.79 | R 4 990,27 |
Move from estimates to payroll
These are planning estimates, not tax advice or a benefit award. Check the rules applicable to your circumstances. Start with Payroll Africa, use the PAYE calculator, or explore related payroll tools.
Related payroll guides
Frequently asked questions
Does a passing result confirm current legal compliance?
No. It only compares pay against the stated 1 March 2025 benchmark. Verify the rate and rules applicable to the employee and payment date.
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