Companies in this one province pay employees the most in South Africa
New data shows that people working for companies in Gauteng get paid up to 25% more than in any other province for the same job.
This was highlighted in Pnet’s latest Job Market Trends Report, which showed that South Africa’s job market was under strain in April 2026.
This has been noted by hiring activity slowing as businesses grapple with rising electricity, fuel and operating costs.
The report found that vacancy advertising declined by 8% month-on-month in April, although it remained 2% higher than the same period last year.
Recruiter activity also slowed sharply, with candidate database searches falling 9% month-on-month and plunging 30% year-on-year.
As a result, overall hiring activity dropped by 9% compared to March and by 9% year-on-year. Pnet said the weaker hiring environment comes as businesses and consumers face mounting economic pressure.
The company pointed to Eskom’s 8.8% electricity tariff increase in April, which has added to operating costs and heightened economic uncertainty.
At the same time, ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has contributed to higher fuel prices since April 2026, raising transport and logistics costs across the economy.
“As energy costs continue to rise, businesses are likely to face higher operating expenses, while consumers experience additional pressure on household budgets,” Pnet said.
“These rising costs are expected to contribute to broader inflationary pressures, which may encourage some employers to take a more cautious approach to hiring in the short term.”
Despite the weaker hiring outlook, Pnet’s latest report highlighted major differences in earning potential across South Africa’s provinces.
The report showed that where employees live and work can significantly impact the salaries that they earn.
The data showed that Gauteng consistently offers the highest pay across most major job categories.
This reinforces its status as South Africa’s economic hub and the province with the country’s best-paying opportunities.
Some of the jobs with notable pay differences between provinces
For receptionists, salaries in Gauteng range from R10,884 to R14,047 a month, up to 9% above the national average.
In comparison, receptionists in the Eastern Cape can earn up to 7% below the national benchmark.
Sales consultants in Gauteng earn between R20,515 and R28,246 per month, as much as 14% above the national average.
The Western Cape also performed strongly, with salaries reaching up to 12% above average. The largest salary premiums were seen in skilled professional and technology roles.
Accountants in Gauteng earn between R33,681 and R47,768 per month, up to 19% above the national average, while software developers in the province can earn between R40,284 and R60,646 per month, representing premiums of up to 25%.
According to the report, the Western Cape is Gauteng’s closest rival, especially in the technology sector.
Software developers in the province can earn up to 15% above the national average, while solutions architects earn between R48,000 and R71,397 a month, slightly higher than Gauteng’s upper range.
“The data confirms that location remains a significant factor in salary determination across South Africa,” Pnet said.
“Gauteng continues to command the highest salary premiums across most job categories, reflecting its position as the country’s largest economic hub and the concentration of corporate headquarters, financial services, and high-demand industries.”
Pnet added that the Western Cape remains highly competitive for technology jobs because of strong demand for specialised digital skills.
The report said employers should benchmark salaries against regional market conditions rather than relying only on national averages.
For job seekers, understanding provincial salary trends can help with career planning, salary negotiations and relocation decisions.
“Ultimately, salary is influenced by more than just job title and experience. Regional demand, industry concentration, and the availability of skills all play a role in determining market value,” Pnet said.
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