What Does South African Remote Talent Actually Cost?
Quickly understand what South African talent really costs, from salaries and payroll taxes to mandatory employer contributions.
Please Note:
- Salaries vary depending on experience, industry, and company requirements.
- Currency conversions are indicative and updated periodically.
- Monthly + Annual included
Salary level: Blended (mid-level leaning, typical for international remote roles)
DNA EOR
Benchmark Salaries across 50+ roles and see what it costs to structure your team properly.
Choose a role, select your currency, and estimate the monthly or annual cost of structuring remote talent in South Africa.
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When structuring remote talent in South Africa, statutory employer contributions must be calculated and paid correctly. These are small in percentage terms, but they matter for compliance.
Important to note
- In South Africa, contributions to medical aid or retirement funds are not mandatory. Should you wish to offer additional private benefits such as medical aid (healthcare cover) or retirement contributions, DNA can facilitate these upon request.
- This calculator estimates employer side statutory contributions based on salary. It helps you understand the baseline cost of structuring employment correctly.
- It does not include EOR service fees or optional benefits.
| Contribution | What it means | How it is calculated | Who pays it |
|---|---|---|---|
| UIF | Unemployment Insurance Fund. Provides short term relief for employees who lose income due to unemployment, illness, maternity, adoption leave or similar qualifying events. | 1% from the employer and 1% from the employee, calculated on gross salary up to a monthly earnings ceiling of R17,712. The maximum employer contribution is R177.12 per month, or R2,125.44 annually. | Employer and employee |
| SDL | Skills Development Levy. A levy used to fund skills development and training in South Africa. | 1% of total payroll calculated on gross salary. | Employer |
| COIDA | Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. Covers employees for workplace injuries, occupational diseases or death. | Calculated based on industry specific assessment rates and total payroll. Contributions are capped at an annual earnings threshold of R668,000 per employee per annum, with a maximum contribution of approximately R1,621 per year. | Employer |