Government Salary Levels Explained: What Level 5, Level 9 and Level 11 Really Mean

Open almost any government advert in South Africa and you will see a line like this: "Salary: R237 453 per annum (Level 05)". For people used to private-sector adverts that say "market related", this is refreshingly clear. But it also raises questions. Is that monthly or yearly? Is that what I take home? What is a level, and why do some posts say "all-inclusive package" or "OSD"?

This guide explains the public service salary system in plain language, so that you can understand what a post really pays and compare posts properly.

What a salary level is

Posts in the public service are graded through a job evaluation system, which looks at the responsibility, complexity and skills each post requires. Each post is then placed on a salary level, from Level 1 for the most basic posts to Level 16 for the most senior posts, such as directors-general.

Roughly, the levels group like this:

• Levels 1 to 3: lower-skilled posts, such as cleaners, general workers, messengers and some security and food service posts.
• Levels 4 to 6: skilled posts, such as clerks, administration officers, data capturers, drivers and some technical assistants.
• Levels 7 and 8: highly skilled production posts, such as senior administration officers, practitioners and officers with specialist responsibility, often requiring a diploma or degree.
• Levels 9 and 10: supervisory and specialist posts, such as assistant directors.
• Levels 11 and 12: middle management, such as deputy directors.
• Levels 13 to 16: the Senior Management Service, such as directors, chief directors, deputy directors-general and directors-general.

The job title usually tells you the level too. An "Assistant Director" is normally Level 9 or 10, a "Deputy Director" Level 11 or 12, and a "Director" Level 13.

Reading the advertised amount

The advertised salary is almost always:

• Per year (per annum), not per month.
• The entry notch of the level, which is the starting point for new appointees.
• Before tax and other deductions.

To get a rough monthly figure, divide the yearly amount by 12. Here are some examples of amounts seen in recent public service adverts listed on OnboardingSA, shown with a rough monthly equivalent:

Salary scales are adjusted from time to time through public service wage agreements, so the exact numbers change. Always use the figure in the specific advert you are looking at.

Notches and pay progression

Each salary level is not one single number but a range of notches. A new appointee usually starts at the lowest notch of the level. Over time, employees can move up notches through pay progression, which is linked to performance and years of service under the rules in force at the time. In addition, salary scales as a whole are usually adjusted annually through wage agreements, so your salary can increase even if you stay on the same notch.

Some adverts mention that a candidate who already works in the public service on a higher notch may be appointed at a notch that maintains their salary, or that a higher notch may be considered in specific circumstances. These rules are technical, so if it matters to you, ask the HR contact named in the advert.

All-inclusive packages for managers

For middle management (often Levels 11 and 12) and the Senior Management Service (Levels 13 to 16), adverts usually show an all-inclusive salary package. This means the figure includes:

• The basic salary.
• The employer's contribution to the pension fund.
• A flexible portion that the employee can structure according to the rules, for example to include a car allowance, a housing allowance or medical aid contributions.

Because benefits are already included, an all-inclusive package looks higher than a basic salary at a similar level, but it is not directly comparable. A Level 10 post with a basic salary plus separate benefits and a Level 11 all-inclusive package need to be compared carefully.

OSD: occupation-specific dispensation

Some professions are not paid on the general salary levels but on special scales called the occupation-specific dispensation (OSD). OSD scales exist for groups such as nurses, educators, medical doctors and other health professionals, social workers, engineers and related professionals, and legally qualified staff.

OSD adverts look different. Instead of "Level 7", you might see a grade, such as "Professional Nurse Grade 1", with a salary range and specific experience requirements for each grade. Higher grades require more years of relevant experience after registration. Our public sector nursing guide explains how this works for nurses.

Benefits on top of the salary

For permanent posts below management level, the advertised salary is the basic salary, and benefits come on top. Adverts often summarise them in a line such as "plus benefits" or list them. Common benefits include:

• Pension. Membership of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), with contributions from both the employer and the employee.
• Service bonus. An annual bonus often called the "13th cheque", paid in the month of your birthday once you qualify.
• Medical aid subsidy. A subsidy towards medical aid if you join an approved scheme, such as the Government Employees Medical Scheme.
• Housing allowance. A monthly allowance for qualifying employees, subject to conditions.
• Leave. Annual leave, sick leave and family responsibility leave in line with public service rules.

Contract posts and internships may not include all of these. Internships, for example, usually pay a fixed monthly stipend without the full benefit package. The advert will say if a post is a contract.

Using salary levels in your job search

• Compare like with like. A Level 7 post in one department pays the same as a Level 7 post in another department, so you can compare roles across departments easily.
• Plan your next step. Moving from Level 5 to Level 7 is a meaningful increase. Look at the requirements for posts one or two levels up and work towards them.
• Check the qualification gap. Higher levels often require a diploma or degree, plus years of experience. If you are stuck at a level, a qualification may be what moves you up.
• Watch for contract posts. A contract post may show a level and salary but limited benefits and a fixed end date.

Every government post on OnboardingSA shows the salary and level as advertised, with a link to the official advert. Use the search on our homepage to browse posts by department, province or job title, and our DPSA circular guide to understand the rest of each advert.

Questions people ask

This guide is written by OnboardingSA to help South African job seekers. Rules and forms change, so always follow the official advert and the employer's own instructions. Browse current jobs →