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What is a fair wage for domestic work?

The short answer: the legal minimum is R30.23 per hour (as at 1 March 2026), any day of 4 hours or less is paid as 4 hours, and a fair wage typically sits 10–20% above the minimum for experience and responsibility. Use the check below for your exact days and hours.

How the minimum is set

The National Minimum Wage Act sets the hourly floor, reviewed every March. Domestic work has been aligned with the general minimum wage since 2022. Sectoral Determination 7 adds the rules specific to domestic work, the 4-hour minimum, overtime at 1.5×, Sunday and public-holiday rates.

From an hourly rate to a monthly wage

A steady monthly wage beats a per-day arrangement for everyone: she can plan and build a record; you get one predictable amount. Monthly = hours per week × the rate × 4.33. If you agree a wage above the calculated fair figure, that is between you, the law only sets the floor.

Read the full minimum-wage guide →