The national minimum wage in South Africa is R30.23 per hour with effect from 1 March 2026, up from R28.79, a 5% increase. This is the legal floor for almost all workers, including domestic and farm workers. At a standard 45-hour week (195 hours a month), that comes to about R5 895 per month. A few sectors have their own rates: workers on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) earn R16.62 an hour, and contract cleaning pays R33.27 an hour.
Quick facts: minimum wage 2026 by sector
| Sector | Minimum rate from 1 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| National minimum wage (most workers) | R30.23 per hour |
| Domestic workers | R30.23 per hour |
| Farm and forestry workers | R30.23 per hour |
| Wholesale and retail | R30.23 per hour (some categories higher) |
| Hospitality | R30.23 per hour |
| Contract cleaning | R33.27 per hour |
| Private security (Area A metros, Grade C to E) | R34.25 per hour |
| EPWP (public works) | R16.62 per hour |
| Learnership allowances | By NQF level (Schedule 2) |
What is the national minimum wage in 2026?
From 1 March 2026, no employer may pay less than R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked. The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, gazetted the new rate on 3 February 2026 under the National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, raising it by R1.44 (about 5%, roughly CPI plus 1.5%).
There is no single national monthly minimum, because it depends on your hours. At 45 hours a week (195 hours a month) the minimum is about R5 895, and at 40 hours a week about R5 240.
Farm and domestic workers
Farm and domestic workers are on the full national minimum wage of R30.23 per hour. This is a major change from a few years ago, when both had lower separate rates. Farm workers reached parity with the national minimum wage in 2022 and domestic workers in 2024. For a full breakdown, see our domestic worker minimum wage guide.
EPWP and learnership rates
Two groups sit below the standard rate by law. Workers on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) earn a minimum of R16.62 per hour, up from R15.16, because they are employed under a special dispensation. Workers on learnership agreements are paid allowances set out in Schedule 2 of the gazette, which vary by NQF level. See our learnership stipend guide for detail.
Sectors with their own determinations
Some sectors have their own sectoral determinations that set rates at or above the national minimum:
- Contract cleaning: R33.27 per hour.
- Private security: Area A metros pay about R34.25 per hour for Grade C to E general guarding, with armed and higher grades earning more. See our security guard salary guide.
- Wholesale and retail: at least the national minimum, with some categories higher.
Overtime, Sundays and the four-hour rule
The minimum wage is for ordinary hours only. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times your rate (R45.35 an hour at the 2026 minimum), and Sundays and public holidays at double. If you report for duty, you must be paid for at least four hours, even if you work fewer. Tips may not be counted towards the minimum wage in hospitality.
What to do if you are paid below the minimum
Paying below the national minimum wage is unlawful and cannot be agreed away, even in writing. If you are underpaid, raise it with your employer, then contact the Department of Employment and Labour on 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest Labour Centre with your contract, payslips and ID.
How we worked this out
The rates on this page come from the national minimum wage gazetted on 3 February 2026 (Government Gazette No. 54075), effective 1 March 2026, under the National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, together with the sectoral determinations for contract cleaning, wholesale and retail and private security. Always confirm the current rate for your sector with the Department of Employment and Labour before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the national minimum wage in South Africa in 2026? R30.23 per ordinary hour, effective 1 March 2026, a 5% increase from R28.79. It applies to most workers, including domestic and farm workers.
How much is the minimum wage per month? About R5 895 for a 45-hour week (195 hours a month), or about R5 240 for a 40-hour week. There is no fixed monthly minimum, it depends on your hours.
What is the EPWP minimum wage in 2026? R16.62 per hour, up from R15.16. EPWP workers are on a separate, lower rate under a special dispensation.
Which sectors pay more than the national minimum? Contract cleaning at R33.27 per hour and private security in the metros at about R34.25 per hour for general guarding, among others.
Can my employer pay me less than the minimum wage? No. It is unlawful and cannot be agreed away, even in writing. Employers who underpay face penalties, including fines of up to twice the amount underpaid.
