Updated 25 October 2026
Quick answer: In South Africa in 2026, the minimum wage is R30.23/hour (about $316 a month full time); the state pension age is 60 (Older Persons Grant). The table below puts 6 everyday money measures for South Africa side by side and ranks each one against the other countries in our data, using official figures from national statistics offices, central banks, the OECD and Eurostat.
Against the other countries in our data, South Africa stands out here: its minimum wage, R30.23/hour (≈ $316/month), is the 4th lowest of 38 countries; its state pension age, 60 (Older Persons Grant), is the 5th lowest of 39 countries.
South Africa at a Glance
| Measure | South Africa | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | R30.23/hour (≈ $316/month) | 4th lowest of 38 |
| Pay rise forecast 2027 | 5.0% | 6th highest of 29 |
| State pension age | 60 (Older Persons Grant) | 5th lowest of 39 |
| Pension (share of pay) | 8.9% of net pay | Lowest of 50 |
| Bank deposit protection | R100,000 per person, per bank | — |
| Inheritance tax (children) | top rate 25% | — |
Rank compares South Africa with the other countries in each dataset; "highest" means the largest value. "—" means the measure isn't ranked.
Minimum Wage in South Africa (2026)
The legal minimum wage in South Africa is R30.23/hour. For a month of full-time work that is about $316 at current exchange rates, 4th lowest of 38 countries in our comparison. From 1 March 2026.
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Pay Rises in South Africa: 2027 Forecast
Employers in South Africa expect to raise salaries by 5.0% in 2027 (median of the major pay surveys), after 4.1% in 2026.
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Retirement Age in South Africa
The state pension age in South Africa is 60 (Older Persons Grant) for people reaching it in 2026; the earliest you can claim is —. Future change: none legislated. Means-tested grant paid by SASSA.
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How Much the State Pension Pays in South Africa
A full-career average earner in South Africa can expect a mandatory pension worth about 8.9% of their previous net pay, the least generous of 50 countries we compare (OECD average 63.2%). Low earner (half the average wage): 17%. High earner (twice the average): 5%. Including common voluntary private pensions, an average earner would get 32%.
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How Much of Your Money Is Protected in South Africa
Bank deposits in South Africa are protected up to R100,000 per depositor, per bank (about $6,000), under the CODI scheme. Scheme launched April 2024. Money in payment apps and e-money wallets is usually not covered.
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Inheritance Tax in South Africa
South Africa has estate duty. Children can receive R3.5 million tax-free, and the top rate for children is 25%, 10th highest of 28 countries. 20% above the abatement and 25% on estates above R30 million; spouses exempt.
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South Africa vs Brazil, India and Mexico
The same measures for South Africa and its nearest neighbours in our data, side by side.
| Measure | South Africa | Brazil | India | Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | R30.23/hour (≈ $316/month) | R$1,621/month (≈ $321/month) | ₹178/day (national floor) (≈ $49/month) | MX$315.04/day (≈ $510/month) |
| Pay rise forecast 2027 | 5.0% | 4.5% | 8.9% (inflation 5.5%) | 4.9% |
| State pension age | 60 (Older Persons Grant) | 65 men / 62 women | 58 (EPS pension) | 65 |
| Pension (share of pay) | 8.9% of net pay | 97.5% of net pay | 44.6% of net pay | 79.6% of net pay |
| Bank deposit protection | R100,000 per person, per bank | R$250,000 per person, per bank | ₹5 lakh (₹500,000) per person, per bank | 400,000 UDIs (≈ MX$3.5m) per person, per bank |
| Inheritance tax (children) | top rate 25% | top rate 8% | None | None |
Compare South Africa With Other Countries
See every country side by side in Compare Countries 2026: Wages, Tax, Mortgages and Pensions, or compare South Africa with nearby countries in our data: Brazil, India, Mexico and China.
Related Guides
Figures checked against the official sources listed in each linked guide in October 2026. Exchange-rate conversions are approximate. This page is for information and isn't financial or legal advice.
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