Domestic Worker Salary Calculator

How the Domestic Worker Salary Calculator Works

Domestic workers in South Africa are employed under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and are covered by the National Minimum Wage Act. Since 1 March 2023, domestic workers receive the same minimum wage as other workers - the two-tier system (where domestic workers earned less than the general minimum wage) was equalised. The current national minimum wage from 1 March 2025 is R28.79 per hour.

The calculator converts an hourly or weekly arrangement into a monthly equivalent, checks that the rate meets the minimum wage, and calculates the employer's UIF obligation (1% of gross remuneration, capped at the monthly UIF ceiling). It also calculates the equivalent annual leave pay based on the BCEA entitlement of 21 consecutive days per 12-month cycle (or 1 day per 17 days worked).

As a household employer, you are legally required to register with the UIF and submit the combined 2% contribution (1% from you, 1% deducted from the worker's salary) monthly to SARS via the uFiling portal. Failure to register and contribute is a criminal offence and can result in significant penalties.

Many South African households also pay a 13th cheque, provide a food allowance, or cover transport costs. These additional benefits do not reduce the obligation to pay the minimum wage - they are in addition to the minimum wage floor.

How to Use This Calculator

1. 1

   Enter the hourly rate or weekly salary

   Use the rate you pay or plan to pay. The calculator will flag if this is below the minimum wage (R28.79/hour from 1 March 2025). If you pay a weekly or monthly amount, enter the hours worked to verify the effective hourly rate.

2. 2

   Enter hours per week

   Enter the total hours your domestic worker works per week, including any half-days. The BCEA limits ordinary hours to 45 per week. Hours beyond 45 per week must be paid at the overtime rate of 1.5× the normal rate.

3. 3

   Review the total monthly cost

   The total cost to you as the employer includes the gross salary plus your 1% UIF contribution. This is the actual monthly outgoing. Budget for this figure, not just the worker's take-home pay.

4. 4

   Check the annual leave entitlement

   The calculator shows the annual leave days earned per year and the equivalent daily monetary value. When your worker takes annual leave, or when employment ends, outstanding leave days must be paid out at the daily rate.

5. 5

   Register for UIF

   If you have not done so, register as a domestic employer on the uFiling portal (ufiling.labour.gov.za). It takes 30 minutes and can be done entirely online. Once registered, submit the UI-19 form and pay the combined 2% UIF monthly. Late registration attracts penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a domestic worker in South Africa in 2025?

From 1 March 2025, the National Minimum Wage for domestic workers is R28.79 per hour - the same rate as the general NMW. This rate is reviewed annually and announced by the Minister of Employment and Labour. A domestic worker working 45 hours per week earns a minimum of approximately R5 640 per month. It is illegal to pay below this rate, even if the worker agrees to it.

Must I register my domestic worker for UIF?

Yes. Any employee who works more than 24 hours per month must be registered for UIF. This includes domestic workers employed as gardeners, nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers. Registration is done through the Department of Employment and Labour's uFiling portal. As the employer, you deduct 1% from the worker's salary and add your own 1%, paying the combined 2% monthly. Penalties for non-compliance can be significant, and an unregistered worker cannot claim UIF benefits if they lose their job.

Is a domestic worker entitled to paid annual leave in South Africa?

Yes. Under the BCEA, domestic workers are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave per 12-month leave cycle, or 1 day for every 17 days worked (whichever is greater). Leave is paid at the regular daily rate. The employer may not pay out leave in lieu of actually granting leave days during the year. On termination of employment, any outstanding leave must be paid out.

What notice period must I give a domestic worker when terminating employment?

The notice period depends on length of service: 1 week's notice for employment under 6 months; 2 weeks for 6–12 months; and 4 weeks for more than 12 months. Notice must be given in writing (a signed letter). If you dismiss a worker without the correct notice, you must pay the equivalent notice pay in lieu of notice. Dismissal must also follow a fair procedure - a domestic worker can refer an unfair dismissal dispute to the CCMA even if employed in a private home.

What is the 13th cheque obligation for domestic workers in South Africa?

There is no legal obligation to pay a 13th cheque unless it is specified in the employment contract or has become a customary expectation (a pattern of payment over several years can create an implied contractual term). However, it is common practice and widely seen as a basic courtesy for domestic workers who depend on a single employer. If you have paid a 13th cheque in prior years, stopping it may constitute an unfair labour practice if not communicated in advance.

Can a domestic worker claim against me at the CCMA?

Yes. Domestic workers have full access to the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) for unfair dismissal, unfair labour practice, and disputes about wages and leave. The CCMA process is free for workers. If a domestic worker is dismissed without a fair reason and proper procedure, the CCMA can order reinstatement or compensation of up to 6 months' remuneration. This is why a written employment contract specifying job description, hours, rate, notice period, and leave entitlement is strongly recommended.