Teaching in the foundation phase, which includes the early years of schooling from Grade R (Reception) to Grade 3, is a crucial role in shaping young minds.

How much is a Foundation Phase Teaching Salary Per Month in south Africa?

  1. Starting Salary:
  2. With 5 Years of Experience:
    • After gaining experience, a foundation phase teacher’s salary can increase to approximately R23,300 to R29,200 per month.
  3. With Further Qualifications:
    • Teachers with additional qualifications, such as an Honours degree or a Master’s degree in Education, and around ten years of experience can earn between R29,200 to R37,500 per month.
  4. Promotional Positions:
    • Head of Department (HOD): Approximately R30,800 to R41,600 per month.
    • Principal: Approximately R41,600 to R66,600 per month.

The salary for foundation phase teachers in South Africa can vary based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, and the type of school (public or private). Here are the facts and evidence regarding the monthly salary of foundation phase teachers in South Africa:

Public School Foundation Phase Teachers

  1. Starting Salary:
    • According to the Department of Basic Education, the starting salary for a foundation phase teacher in a public school with a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed) is approximately R210,000 to R278,000 per annum.
    • This translates to a monthly salary of about R17,500 to R23,200 before tax.
  2. Salary Increments:
    • Teachers receive annual salary increments based on their years of experience and performance evaluations.
    • After five years of experience, a teacher’s salary can increase to R280,000 to R350,000 per annum, or roughly R23,300 to R29,200 per month.
  3. Further Qualifications:
    • Teachers with additional qualifications, such as an Honours degree or a Master’s degree in Education, can earn higher salaries.
    • For instance, a teacher with a Master’s degree and ten years of experience can earn between R350,000 and R450,000 per annum, equating to about R29,200 to R37,500 per month.
  4. Promotional Positions:
    • Positions such as Head of Department (HOD) or Principal offer higher salaries.
    • An HOD can earn between R370,000 and R500,000 per annum (R30,800 to R41,600 per month), while a Principal can earn R500,000 to R800,000 per annum (R41,600 to R66,600 per month).


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Private School Foundation Phase Teachers

  1. Salary Range:
    • Private school salaries vary widely and are often determined by the school’s resources and fee structures.
    • On average, a foundation phase teacher in a private school might earn between R180,000 and R300,000 per annum, translating to about R15,000 to R25,000 per month.
  2. Top Private Schools:
    • In elite private schools, salaries can be significantly higher. Experienced teachers can earn between R350,000 and R500,000 per annum, or R29,200 to R41,600 per month.
  3. Benefits and Incentives:
    • Private schools may offer additional benefits such as housing allowances, bonuses, and health insurance, which can enhance the overall compensation package.

Additional Considerations

  1. Contract and Part-Time Teachers:
    • Contract and part-time teachers typically earn less compared to their full-time counterparts.
    • A contract foundation phase teacher might earn between R12,000 and R15,000 per month, depending on their teaching hours and the school’s pay structure.
  2. Extracurricular Involvement:
    • Teachers who take on additional roles, such as coaching sports or leading extracurricular activities, might receive extra compensation.
    • These additional roles can add R1,000 to R5,000 to their monthly salary.

The salary of foundation phase teachers in South Africa varies widely based on factors such as qualifications, experience, type of school, and location. Public school teachers typically earn between R17,500 and R23,200 per month as a starting salary, with potential increases based on experience and further qualifications. Private school teachers’ salaries can range from R15,000 to R25,000 per month, with top schools offering higher compensation. Regional differences also play a significant role, with urban areas offering higher salaries than rural areas. Understanding these factors can help prospective teachers make informed career decisions and negotiate better pay.