How Much Does A Principal Earn In South Africa

A principal is the leader of an entire community within a school, and is responsible for managing major administrative tasks and supervising both teachers and students.

Below are salaries earn by a Principal Earn In South Africa

Principal Average Salary

The average salary for a School Principal in SA is R 477 914 gross per year (R 39 830 gross per month), which is 69% higher than the South Africa’s national average salary.
Salary Range: a School Principal can expect an average starting salary of R 346 000. The highest salaries can exceed R 1 000 000.

School Principal Salary Range – South Africa

Low
R 346 000

Average salary
R 477 914

High
R 1 000 000

Experienced
R 781 350

Among School Principals in South Africa, Deputy Principals or Primary School Principals tend to have the lowest salaries, while High School Principals enjoy the highest salaries.

Principal – Salary Differences

JobSalaryDifference
High School PrincipalR 564K/year+18% 
Primary School PrincipalR 363K/year -24%
Deputy PrincipalR 325K/year -32%

Principal – Pay by Experience Level

In South Africa, a School Principal with less than three years of experience can expect to earn an average compensation of R 370 000 gross per year. A mid career School Principal with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 450 000, while an experienced School Principal with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 780 000. School Principals with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 1 000 000.

How Work Experience Affects the Salary of a School Principal in SA

Late Career ▲ +109%

Experienced ▲ +63%

Average Salary R 477 914/year

Mid Career ▼ -6%

Entry Level ▼ -23%

How much do principals earn in South Africa?

A mid career School Principal with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 450 000, while an experienced School Principal with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 780 000. School Principals with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 1 000 000.

How much do deputy principals earn in South Africa?

An experienced Deputy Headmaster with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R387,758 based on 16 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of R486,113.

How much does a teacher with a master’s degree earn in South Africa?

Senior teachers on REQV 13 earn between a minimum of R330 000 to R465 000, while those on the REQV 14, earn between R330 000 to R618 000. Master teachers on REQV 13 earn between R387 000 to R465 000, while those on REQV 14, earn between R387 000 to R618 000.

Is it hard to become a principal in South Africa ?

If you’ve considered the potential to lead outside the lines and become a school principal, the process toward principal certification and licensure in California is relatively straightforward.