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The domestic worker minimum wage in 2026

Last reviewed July 2026 · Source: National Minimum Wage Act (2026 adjustment); Sectoral Determination 7

The short answer: R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026. A day of 4 hours or less is paid as 4 hours. Full-time (45 hours a week) that is about R5,895 a month; three 8-hour days a week is about R3,141 a month. Fair pay typically sits 10–20% above the floor.

Worked examples

  • Two days a week, 8 hours: 16 hours × R30.23 × 4.33 ≈ R2,094 a month minimum.
  • Three days a week, 8 hours: 24 hours × R30.23 × 4.33 ≈ R3,141 a month minimum.
  • Five days a week, 9 hours: 45 hours × R30.23 × 4.33 ≈ R5,890 a month minimum.

The 4-hour rule

If she comes in for any part of a day, she must be paid for at least 4 hours, the law recognises that a short shift still costs her a full trip.

Overtime, Sundays and public holidays

Overtime (beyond 45 hours a week) is at least 1.5× the wage. Sunday work and public holidays attract higher rates under Sectoral Determination 7.

Above the minimum

The minimum is a floor, and the market in most suburbs sits above it. Experience, responsibility (children, cooking, keys), and years of service all justify more. Our wage calculator gives both numbers, the legal floor and a fair-wage guide for your arrangement.