Domestic worker minimum wage 2026
From 1 March 2026 the minimum wage for domestic workers is R30.23 an hour, up from R28.79. A full-time worker on 45 hours a week must earn at least R5 894.40 a month.
Minimum pay by working pattern
| Pattern | Per day | Per week | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time, 9 hours × 5 days | R272.07 | R1 360.35 | R5 894.40 |
| Full time, 8 hours × 5 days | R241.84 | R1 209.20 | R5 239.46 |
| 7.5 hours × 6 days | R226.73 | R1 360.35 | R5 894.40 |
| 8 hours × 3 days | R241.84 | R725.52 | R3 143.68 |
| 8 hours × 2 days | R241.84 | R483.68 | R2 095.79 |
| 8 hours × 1 day | R241.84 | R241.84 | R1 047.89 |
| 3 hours × 2 days (paid as 4 hours) | R120.92 | R241.84 | R1 047.89 |
Monthly figures use 4.333 weeks a month, as the Department of Employment and Labour does. These are minimums before UIF; you can always pay more. Check your own numbers with the minimum wage checker.
Overtime, Sundays and public holidays
- Ordinary hours: at most 45 a week, and 9 a day for a 5-day week (8 a day for more than 5 days).
- Overtime (by agreement, at most 15 hours a week): at least 1.5× the hourly wage, so at least R45.35 an hour at the minimum.
- Sunday work by a worker who does not normally work Sundays: 2× (R60.46 an hour at the minimum). If Sunday is a normal workday: 1.5×.
- A public holiday worked on a normal workday: at least 2× the daily wage. See public holidays 2026 and 2027.
The payslip generator works these out for you and adds UIF.
What you may deduct
- UIF: 1% from the worker, plus 1% from you, if the worker works more than 24 hours a month. See the UIF calculator.
- Food while working, work clothing and work equipment: you may not charge for these (SD7 clause 7).
- Accommodation: at most 10% of the wage, and only if the room meets SD7's requirements.
- Loan or advance repayments: at most 10% of the wage per pay day.
When does the rate change?
The R30.23 rate applies until the Minister of Employment and Labour publishes a new national minimum wage in the Government Gazette. We update this page and our calculators when that happens.
General information, not legal advice. For a dispute, contact the Department of Employment and Labour or the CCMA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage for a domestic worker in 2026?
R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked, from 1 March 2026. It was R28.79 before that. Domestic workers get the same national minimum wage as other workers.
What is the minimum monthly wage for a full-time domestic worker?
For 45 hours a week (9 hours a day, 5 days a week), at least R5 894.40 a month, using the Department of Employment and Labour's 4.333 weeks a month.
How much must I pay a domestic worker for one day?
At least R241.84 for an 8-hour day. If the worker works less than 4 hours on a day, you must still pay for 4 hours: at least R120.92.
Can I deduct food or transport from the minimum wage?
You may deduct for accommodation only if the room meets SD7's conditions, and then no more than 10% of the wage. You may not charge the worker for food supplied while working, work clothing, or work equipment, and you may not fine the worker (SD7 clause 7). Other deductions are limited to the list in SD7 clause 8, such as deductions required by law (like UIF) and repayments of a loan or advance of up to 10% of the wage due on each pay day.