National Minimum Wage 2026
From 1 March 2026, the South African National Minimum Wage is R30.23 per ordinary hour worked - a 5% increase. Farm workers and domestic workers are paid at the same rate. EPWP workers receive R16.62/hour.
At a glance (from 1 March 2026)
General NMW
R30.23
per ordinary hour
Farm / domestic
R30.23
same as general
EPWP
R16.62
per hour
Sector rates
| Sector | Hourly rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General worker | R30.23/hour | Applies to all workers not in a specifically scheduled category. |
| Farm worker | R30.23/hour | Equalised with the general NMW since 1 March 2022. |
| Domestic worker | R30.23/hour | Equalised with the general NMW since 1 March 2024. |
| EPWP worker | R16.62/hour | Expanded Public Works Programme. Reduced rate due to the training and short-term nature of EPWP work. |
| Care worker (homes / NPOs) | R30.23/hour | Includes home-based and community care workers under DSD-funded programmes. |
| Wholesale and retail | Sectoral determination | Various sectoral determinations apply; usually above the NMW. |
What that adds up to per month
There is no national monthly minimum - only an hourly minimum. The monthly figure depends on hours contracted:
| Working hours | Minimum monthly equivalent |
|---|---|
| 40 hours/week | R5 236 |
| 45 hours/week | R5 890 |
| 40 hours/week (EPWP) | R2 879 |
Monthly = hourly rate × hours per week × 4.33 weeks per month. Overtime is paid separately at 1.5× ordinary rate (2× on Sundays and public holidays).
What counts towards the minimum wage
Counts toward NMW
- · Base hourly or daily wage
- · Piecework rate (converted to hourly)
- · Commission paid as part of base salary
Does not count
- · Tips and gratuities
- · Overtime, weekend, public-holiday premiums
- · Housing or transport allowances
- · Productivity bonuses
- · Tools, uniforms or food provided
NMW history
- 1 March 2026R30.23/hour
- 1 March 2025R28.79/hour
- 1 March 2024R27.58/hour
- 1 March 2023R25.42/hour
- 1 March 2019 (introduction)R20.00/hour
The NMW is reviewed annually by the National Minimum Wage Commission and gazetted by the Minister of Employment and Labour.
If you're paid less than the NMW
You have a few options, in escalating order:
- Discuss with your employer - they may simply be unaware of the new rate.
- Call the Department of Employment and Labour: 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free).
- Visit your nearest Labour Centre with your contract, payslips and ID.
- Lodge a complaint at the CCMA - Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
Employers found in violation pay 2× the shortfall per worker plus the arrear wages. Repeat offenders face criminal prosecution.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Minimum Wage in South Africa for 2026?+
From 1 March 2026, the National Minimum Wage is R30.23 per ordinary hour worked. Farm workers and domestic workers are now also entitled to the same rate. EPWP workers receive a lower rate of R16.62 per hour.
Does the minimum wage apply per hour or per month?+
It is set per ordinary hour worked. An "ordinary hour" excludes overtime. There is no national monthly minimum - your monthly minimum depends on how many hours you contract to work. For 45 hours/week (the standard SA working week), the implied monthly minimum is about R5,892.
When did farm workers and domestic workers get the same minimum wage?+
Farm workers were brought up to parity with the general NMW on 1 March 2022. Domestic workers reached parity on 1 March 2024. Before these dates, both sectors had lower minima under separate sectoral determinations.
What is the EPWP minimum wage?+
EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) workers earn R16.62/hour - about 55% of the general NMW. EPWP is a short-term, training-based government employment programme, hence the lower rate. EPWP wages are set under the EPWP Determination, not the NMW Act.
Are tips included in the minimum wage calculation?+
No. The Minimum Wage Act explicitly excludes gratuities, tips, allowances, and bonuses from the calculation. Your base hourly rate must meet or exceed R30.23 before any of these are added.
What happens if my employer pays less than the minimum wage?+
You can lodge a complaint with the Department of Employment and Labour at 0800 60 10 11 or your nearest labour centre. Employers found in violation face fines starting at 2× the underpayment per worker, plus arrear wages owed. Repeat offenders can be criminally prosecuted.
Are there exemptions to the minimum wage?+
Yes, in limited cases. Small employers facing financial hardship can apply to the National Minimum Wage Commission for a temporary exemption (typically 12 months, paying at least 90% of the NMW). Apprentices and learners on registered SETA learnerships are also covered by separate, often lower, learnership stipends.
Sources
- · National Minimum Wage Act, 2018 (Act 9 of 2018) and the 2026 amendment.
- · Department of Employment and Labour National Minimum Wage flyer 2026.
- · Labour Guide South Africa - 2026 NMW gazette notice analysis.
- · EPWP Determination (Department of Public Works).
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