Minimum Wage Calculator

The national minimum wage is R28.79 per hour, effective from 1 March 2026. This applies to most employees in South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants receive a separate rate of R15.17 per hour. Domestic workers and farm workers are now aligned with the national rate since 2024.

Yes. Since 2024, domestic workers receive the same national minimum wage as all other workers — currently R28.79 per hour from March 2026. Previously, domestic workers had a lower separate rate, but the government aligned their wages with the national minimum to ensure equal treatment.

If your employer pays below the national minimum wage, you can file a complaint with the Department of Employment and Labour. You can visit your nearest labour centre, call the hotline, or submit a complaint online. Employers who fail to comply face penalties and may be ordered to pay back-wages.

Yes. Since 2024, farm workers are covered by the same national minimum wage of R28.79 per hour (from March 2026). Previously, farm workers had a separate and lower rate, but this has been equalised with the national rate to ensure fairness across all sectors.

Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the maximum ordinary hours of work are 45 hours per week. This typically means 9 hours per day for a 5-day work week or 8 hours per day for a 6-day work week. Any hours beyond 45 per week must be compensated as overtime.

No. The National Minimum Wage Act only applies to employees as defined by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Independent contractors are not covered. However, if a worker is classified as a contractor but actually works like an employee (fixed hours, single client, tools provided), they may be reclassified as an employee entitled to minimum wage.