In South Africa, where you live can have a big impact on how much you earn. In 2025, the gap between the highest- and lowest-paying provinces is larger than ever—more than R100,000 a year. This article breaks down where you can expect to earn more and why these salary differences exist, helping you make smart career and lifestyle choices.
Provincial Salary Overview: Who’s Paying More?
The province you live in matters a lot when it comes to your salary. Gauteng leads the pack with an average annual salary of about R397,000. This is closely followed by the Western Cape at R382,000 and Limpopo, which has surprised many by jumping to third place with an average salary of R380,710.
At the other end of the scale, Eastern Cape workers earn the least, with an average salary of just R293,000 a year—more than R100,000 less than in Gauteng. This huge gap highlights ongoing inequality between provinces.
Here’s a quick look at the average annual salaries across the provinces in 2025:
| Province | Average Annual Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | R397,345 |
| Western Cape | R382,353 |
| Limpopo | R380,710 |
| Northern Cape | R351,461 |
| Mpumalanga | R339,397 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R324,719 |
| North West | R319,884 |
| Free State | R307,155 |
| Eastern Cape | R293,011 |
| National Average | R349,070 |
Why Gauteng and Western Cape Pay More
Gauteng’s high salaries come from its role as the country’s economic hub. It hosts the finance sector, big corporations, technology firms, and government offices. These industries pay well and create many high-paying jobs.
Western Cape’s economy benefits from tourism, tech companies, and the wine industry, keeping salaries competitive, especially in Cape Town.
Limpopo’s Rising Salary Growth
Limpopo’s rapid salary growth is one of the biggest surprises in 2025. Thanks to new investments and improved local economies, Limpopo has climbed to the third spot. This shows that even provinces traditionally seen as poorer can improve and offer better job opportunities.
City-Level Differences: Urban Areas Pay More
Within provinces, city salaries often beat rural areas. For example:
| City (Province) | Average Annual Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg (Gauteng) | R447,857 |
| Cape Town (Western Cape) | R437,853 |
| Polokwane (Limpopo) | R404,767 |
| Kimberley (Northern Cape) | R399,244 |
| Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) | R355,626 |
Smaller or rural towns like Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape earn much less—just R120,750 annually, while Bloemfontein in Free State is at R270,050.
This means moving to a city can significantly increase your earning potential, especially in Gauteng or Western Cape metros.
Industry and Role Impact on Salaries
Your job type also affects how much you earn in different provinces.
- Finance roles pay the most in Gauteng, with salaries up to 28% higher than KwaZulu-Natal.
- Information Technology jobs are best paid in Gauteng and Western Cape.
- Healthcare salaries are more stable across all provinces.
Role-specific monthly salaries in 2025 include:
- HR Consultants: R31,500 to R44,500
- Office Administrators: R16,300 to R18,900
- Logistics Managers: R41,767 to R46,960
What Drives These Salary Gaps?
Several factors explain why some provinces and cities pay more than others:
- Economic Development: Gauteng and Western Cape have better infrastructure, more businesses, and a broader economy.
- Industry Clustering: High-paying industries tend to cluster in specific provinces.
- Urbanisation: Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town offer more jobs and higher wages.
- Inequality: Provinces like Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga still struggle with poverty and income inequality.
- Historical Legacy: Apartheid-era development patterns still affect economic opportunities today.
Demographic Disparities: The Gender and Race Pay Gap
Unfortunately, inequalities also exist within provinces based on gender and race:
- Women earn about 28% less than men on average, although women in technical roles earn slightly more than men.
- White South Africans have a median income of about R21,000 per month, which is significantly higher than other racial groups.
These disparities are important to keep in mind when looking at salary data.
Emerging Trends to Watch
Limpopo’s Rise
Limpopo’s climb in average salaries shows that investment and job growth can change the economic picture quickly. This province is now worth considering for job seekers.
Remote Work
More professionals are working remotely for companies based in Gauteng or Western Cape while living in lower-cost provinces. This trend helps reduce living expenses while earning higher wages.
Public Sector Raises
Government workers across all provinces will see a 7.5% salary increase from July 2025, with a new minimum entry-level salary of R9,200 a month. This boost helps raise incomes, especially in lower-paying provinces.
Conclusion: Where Should You Work to Earn More in 2025?
- Gauteng and Western Cape are still the best places to earn a high salary, particularly in finance, tech, and corporate jobs.
- Limpopo is an exciting new option with growing opportunities.
- Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town offer the best salaries within their provinces.
- Eastern Cape and Free State lag behind, with the lowest average earnings, reflecting ongoing regional challenges.
If you’re thinking about your career or where to live in 2025, understanding these salary differences can help you make smart choices. Whether moving to a city or choosing a province, location continues to play a big role in how much you can earn.
Check also: Salary Differences Across South African Provinces: Where You Can Earn More in 2025