Domestic Worker Cost Calculator South Africa
Calculate the full cost of employing a domestic worker — salary, UIF, COIDA, 13th cheque — with BCEA Sectoral Determination 7 minimum wage compliance check
| Cost Component | Monthly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Wage | R 6 066 | R 72 794 | R35/hr × 173 hrs |
| UIF — Employer 1% | R 61 | R 728 | Paid to SARS/UIF fund; 1% employer portion |
| UIF — Employee 1% | R 61 | R 728 | Deducted from worker's pay; employer submits |
| COIDA (annual / 12) | R 13 | R 150 | Compensation for Occupational Injuries; ~R150/yr |
| 13th Cheque Provision | R 506 | R 6 066 | 1/12 of monthly wage set aside monthly |
| Total Employer Cost | R 6 645 | R 79 739 |
Understanding Domestic Worker Employment Costs in South Africa How to use • Minimum wage • Example
How to Use This Calculator
Select the employment type (live-out, live-in, or part-time), enter the days per week, hours per day, and hourly rate. The calculator checks compliance with the BCEA Sectoral Determination 7 minimum wage (R28.79/hr from April 2026) and calculates the full employer cost including UIF, COIDA, and optional 13th cheque.
Use the Compliance Checklist tab to review all legal obligations as an employer of a domestic worker under South African labour law.
How the Cost is Calculated
- UIF: Employer contributes 1% + employee 1% (total 2%). Employer submits both via uFiling
- COIDA: R100–R200/year with Rand Mutual or Federated Employers — provides injury cover
- SDL: Only applies if your total wage bill exceeds R500,000/year — not relevant for most single domestic worker employers
Worked Example
Zanele works 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, for the Nkosi family in Pretoria. Her hourly rate is R35/hr (above the R28.79 minimum).
Monthly hours: 8 × 5 × 4.333 = 173 hrs. Gross monthly: R35 × 173 = R6,062.
UIF employer 1%: R61. COIDA: R13. 13th cheque provision: R505. Total employer cost: R6,641/month (R79,692/year).
Zanele takes home R6,062 − R61 (UIF employee) = R6,001/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage for domestic workers in South Africa in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the minimum wage for domestic workers under BCEA Sectoral Determination 7 is R28.79 per hour. This applies to all workers employed in private households for domestic work — gardening, cleaning, child care, cooking, and general housework. Minimum wages are reviewed and adjusted annually. Employers who pay below the minimum wage are in breach of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and may face fines and back-pay claims.
Must I register a domestic worker for UIF in South Africa?
Yes. If you employ a domestic worker for more than 24 hours per month, you are legally required to register as an employer with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and submit monthly UIF declarations. You must contribute 1% of the worker's wages and deduct a further 1% from the worker's pay — submitting a total of 2% to the UIF. The easiest way to do this is via the Department of Employment and Labour's uFiling system (ufiling.uif.gov.za) or through a payroll service.
Is PAYE required for domestic workers in South Africa?
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is only required if the domestic worker earns above the SARS tax threshold — R95,750 per year (R7,979/month) for the 2026/2027 tax year (under age 65). Most domestic workers earn below this threshold and are not subject to PAYE. However, UIF is always required regardless of income level.
How much annual leave is a domestic worker entitled to?
Under the BCEA, a domestic worker is entitled to 21 consecutive days (3 weeks) of annual leave per year, or 1 day of leave for every 17 days worked. Leave must be taken at a time agreed between the employer and the worker. Leave must be paid at the worker's normal rate of pay. Unused leave cannot be forfeited — it must be paid out on termination of employment.
Can I deduct the cost of food or accommodation from a domestic worker's wages?
You may deduct the value of accommodation and certain benefits from wages, but only if the worker has agreed to this in writing and the deduction does not reduce the worker's cash pay below the prescribed minimum wage. Deductions must be fair and reasonable. The maximum deductible value for accommodation is set by Sectoral Determination 7. Food provided as a meal may be treated as part of remuneration only if agreed in writing.