Early Childhood Educators salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Early Childhood Educators in South Africa is approximately 77,872 ZAR (3,913 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Early Childhood Educators do?

Early childhood educators are professionals who work with young children, typically between the ages of 0-8, in various educational settings such as preschools, daycares, and early intervention programs. Their primary role is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. These educators plan and implement age-appropriate activities and lesson plans that support children's learning and growth. They create a safe and inclusive space where children can explore, play, and develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and creativity. Additionally, they observe and assess children's progress, communicate with parents and caregivers, and collaborate with other professionals to support children with special needs or developmental delays.

Skills: Early childhood education, Child development, Learning through play, Curriculum planning, Childcare, Parent communication.
Job industry: Education

How much does Early Childhood Educators make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Early Childhood Educators a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Early Childhood Educators is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Early Childhood Educators might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Early Childhood Educators?

High salary for Early Childhood Educators would be somewhere between 85,659 ZAR and 112,914 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Early Childhood Educators in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 77,872 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,489 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,498 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 37 ZAR per hour
By working as Early Childhood Educators a person can save up to 55 USD per month or 659 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Early Childhood Educators

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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