National Minimum Wage — South Africa 2025

2025 National Minimum Wage Rates

Note: EPWP workers have a lower rate to facilitate government job creation programmes.

Calculating Minimum Monthly Wage

The NMW applies per hour worked. To convert to a monthly equivalent (assuming a 45-hour week):

Who is Covered?

The National Minimum Wage applies to all employees except:

• Volunteers working for non-profit organisations
• Members of the South African National Defence Force
• Members of the National Intelligence Agencies
• Members of the South African Secret Service

Enforcement & Penalties

• An employer who underpays faces a fine of up to twice the underpayment, or a fine under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
• Employees can report underpayment to the Department of Employment and Labour.
• Employers cannot claim a variation to pay below the NMW (with very limited exceptions under the NMW Act).

Historical NMW Rates