Calculate minimum wage
Select the worker type and enter hours worked to see the legal minimum pay for any period.
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What is the employee currently paid?
R
Minimum wage entitlement
Based on the 2026 rate effective from 1 March 2026.
Key NMW facts for employers
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Effective date
R30.23/hour applies from 1 March 2026. Previous rate was R28.79 — a 5.0% increase.
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Not negotiable
The NMW cannot be varied by contract, collective agreement, or any other law. It is the absolute floor.
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Tips don't count
Tips, bonuses, and gratuities may not be counted toward the NMW. Employers must pay at least R30.23 before tips.
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Accommodation deduction
Live-in domestic workers: employer may deduct a maximum of 10% of the wage for accommodation provided.
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Penalty for underpaying
Employers who pay below NMW face fines of up to twice the amount underpaid under the NMW Act s.73A.
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Report underpayment
Call 0800 030 007 (toll-free) or visit your nearest Labour Centre. Reports can be made anonymously.
NMW rate history — South Africa
| Effective Date | Standard Rate / Hour | Domestic & Farm | EPWP | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 March 2026 Current | R30.23 | R30.23 | R16.62 | +5.0% |
| 1 March 2025 | R28.79 | R28.79 | R15.16 | +8.5% |
| 1 March 2024 | R27.58 | R27.58 | R15.16 | +8.5% |
| 1 March 2023 | R25.42 | R25.42 | R13.97 | +9.6% |
| 1 March 2022 | R23.19 | R23.19 | R12.75 | +6.9% |
| 1 March 2021 | R21.69 | R21.69 | R11.93 | +3.8% |
| 1 March 2020 | R20.76 | R20.76 | R11.42 | +3.8% |
| 1 January 2019 | R20.00 | R15.57 | R11.00 | Introduced |