In 2025, South Africa’s education sector received a much-needed financial boost, as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) implemented a 5.5% salary increase for all public school teachers. This update comes as part of a multi-year wage agreement aimed at improving retention, recognising professional development, and adjusting compensation to keep pace with inflation.
The increase took effect retroactively from 1 April 2025, following gazette publication and consultation with public sector unions. The move is expected to benefit over 400,000 educators across the country, spanning from entry-level teachers to senior academic managers.
Why the 2025 Salary Adjustment Matters
The teaching profession in South Africa has long faced challenges ranging from overcrowded classrooms to underfunded schools, especially in rural provinces. Many educators have struggled to keep up with the rising cost of living, prompting union-led negotiations for fairer pay.
In response, the 5.5% across-the-board increase is designed to bring salaries in line with economic realities. It’s not only a recognition of service but also a strategic move to strengthen education outcomes by improving morale and teacher quality.
What Is REQV? Understanding the Salary System
South African teachers are paid according to REQV levels (Relative Education Qualification Value) a system that links salary progression to academic qualifications and teaching experience. REQV levels span from 10 to 17, covering:
- REQV 10–12: Teachers with a senior certificate and basic training
- REQV 13: Educators with a three-year diploma
- REQV 14–17: Degree holders, postgraduates, and highly qualified specialists
Each REQV level contains dozens of notches, which reflect a teacher’s years of service and added responsibilities. This means teachers can steadily climb the salary scale over time by gaining experience, completing further studies, or taking on leadership roles.
2025 Salary Ranges by Role
Following the 2025 increase, salary bands for teachers have shifted across all REQV levels. Here’s an overview of the new annual salary ranges for classroom educators:
| Position | REQV | Notch Range | Annual Salary (Min–Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Teacher | 10–12 | 1–106 | R163,179 – R268,008 |
| Experienced Teacher | 10–12 | 108–268 | R270,498 – R577,407 |
| Senior Teacher | 13 | 200–268 | R415,038 – R577,407 |
| Master Teacher | 13 | 232–268 | R485,868 – R577,407 |
| Degree-Holding Teacher | 14–17 | 164–326 | R351,972 – R763,608 |
| Senior & Specialist Roles | 14–17 | 200–326 | R415,038 – R763,608 |
This structure ensures that teachers with higher qualifications and added responsibility receive proportionate compensation.
School Leadership Salary Updates
The 2025 reform also included increases for school managers such as department heads, deputy principals, and principals. These roles carry significant administrative duties and performance accountability.
| Position | Notch Range | Annual Salary (Min–Max) |
|---|---|---|
| Department Head | 210–392 | R435,240 – R1,052,718 |
| Deputy Principal | 244–408 | R514,563 – R1,138,056 |
| Principal (Large School) | 350–432 | R858,426 – R1,275,789 |
These salaries do not include benefits such as pension contributions, housing subsidies, or bonuses, which can significantly increase the total remuneration package.
Beyond 2025: Inflation-Linked Salary Growth
To ensure long-term sustainability, the wage agreement also outlines CPI-linked increases for 2026 and 2027. This means teacher salaries will rise annually in accordance with inflation, with a minimum increase of 4% and a maximum of 6% depending on economic conditions.
This mechanism aims to protect educators from the erosion of real income while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges
Despite the positive development, education unions have warned that salary increases alone won’t resolve the deeper problems in South Africa’s schooling system. These include:
- Shortage of maths and science teachers
- Overburdened classrooms in urban schools
- Uneven funding between provinces
- Insufficient mentorship for new teachers
In a recent address, SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke stressed the need for a more strategic national approach to teacher training. “We need to align qualifications with our educational needs and provide pathways for retraining,” he said.
He also called for greater collaboration between universities, the DBE, and provincial departments to ensure future-ready education policies.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 teacher salary increase is a critical milestone in the journey toward restoring respect and stability to the teaching profession in South Africa. While not a silver bullet, it sends a strong message that educators are valued, and that education remains a cornerstone of national development.
However, the road ahead demands more than pay hikes. If South Africa is to improve learning outcomes and reduce inequality, it must invest in teacher training, classroom resources, and long-term planning.
For now, though, teachers across the country can breathe a little easier their work is being recognised not just in words, but in wages.
