Salaries

SAPS Salaries 2026

Every rank in the South African Police Service, with pay bands after the 4.0% DPSA cost-of-living adjustment effective 1 April 2026. All figures cross-referenced to the SAPS Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) and public-service salary levels.

Updated 11 May 2026 • By Thandi Mokoena • Fact-checked

4.0% pay rise effective 1 April 2026. Minister Buthelezi gazetted a cost-of-living adjustment for all public servants on salary levels 1–12, including SAPS members on the OSD. Annual notch progression applies on top.

SAPS rank-by-rank salaries (2026)

Rank	Band	Annual	Monthly
Student Constable (Basic Training) Trainee stipend during 12-month basic training at SAPS Academy.	Pre-employment	R140,000 – R150,000	R11,700 – R12,500
Constable Entry rank after basic training. Annual notch progression.	Band A	R230,000 – R295,000	R19,200 – R24,600
Sergeant Promoted from Constable; supervises junior members.	Band A	R285,000 – R360,000	R23,750 – R30,000
Warrant Officer Senior NCO, often a station-level shift commander.	Band B	R360,000 – R475,000	R30,000 – R39,600
Lieutenant Junior commissioned officer; requires a degree or 10+ years service.	Band C (commissioned)	R470,000 – R585,000	R39,200 – R48,750
Captain Station commander level in smaller stations.	Band C	R580,000 – R720,000	R48,300 – R60,000
Major Section head or large-station 2IC.	Band C	R720,000 – R880,000	R60,000 – R73,300
Lieutenant Colonel Senior Management Service entry level.	SMS Band D	R1,060,000 – R1,260,000	R88,300 – R105,000
Colonel Large-station commander, cluster head.	SMS Band D	R1,260,000 – R1,470,000	R105,000 – R122,500
Brigadier Provincial division head.	SMS Band E	R1,510,000 – R1,775,000	R125,800 – R148,000
Major General Component head, deputy provincial commissioner.	SMS Band F	R1,800,000 – R2,115,000	R150,000 – R176,250
Lieutenant General Divisional / Provincial Commissioner.	SMS Band F	R2,120,000 – R2,490,000	R176,700 – R207,500
General (National Commissioner) Constitutional appointment by the President.	DG equivalent	R2,500,000+	R208,300+

Ranges reflect the published SAPS OSD scales (April 2024) plus the 4.0% April 2026 adjustment. Excludes shift, danger and housing allowances. Actual notch placement depends on years of service and qualifications.

Allowances on top of basic salary

Service bonus (13th cheque)

Equal to one month's basic salary, paid in birth month

Housing allowance

R1,990–R2,260/month for home-owning members below SMS bands

Danger allowance

Paid to operational members; R750–R1,200/month depending on grading

Shift allowance

~5% of basic salary for members on three-shift rotation

POLMED medical aid

Subsidised medical aid for member and family

GEPF pension

Defined-benefit pension; member contributes 7.5% of salary, state contributes 13%

Entry path: how to become a SAPS officer

1
Meet the basic requirements

SA citizen, aged 18–30, Grade 12 (matric), no criminal record, valid SA driving licence (Code B), medically fit, able to swim.
2
Apply online

When SAPS advertises trainee posts (typically once a year on saps.gov.za), submit a Z83 form, CV, certified copies of ID and matric, and references.
3
Aptitude and physical testing

Shortlisted candidates undergo a battery of psychometric, aptitude, physical fitness and medical assessments.
4
Basic training (12 months)

Successful candidates attend the SAPS Academy at Hammanskraal, Bisho, Oudtshoorn or Philippi. Trainee stipend ~R11,700–R12,500/month.
5
Probation (24 months)

After passing out as a Constable, members work on probation at a station. Probation must be completed before any promotion.

Range, not precise figures

The exact rand value on your payslip is set by your notch on the OSD (years of service) plus your particular allowances. Two members at the same rank can earn meaningfully different amounts. Treat these ranges as a guide, not a quote.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a SAPS Constable earn in 2026?+

A newly qualified SAPS Constable earns around R230,000–R250,000 per year (about R19,200–R20,800 per month) after the April 2026 cost-of-living adjustment. Allowances for danger pay, housing and shift work are paid on top.

How much does a SAPS Captain earn?+

Captains in SAPS earn between R580,000 and R720,000 per year (about R48,000–R60,000 per month), depending on notch and years of service. The rank typically requires a Bachelor's degree or significant tenure.

Is SAPS pay better than SANDF pay?+

For comparable ranks, SAPS and SANDF pay scales are very close because both follow the DPSA framework. SAPS members often earn slightly more on shift and danger allowances, while SANDF members have access to subsidised housing on base.

When did the 2026 SAPS pay rise come into effect?+

A 4.0% cost-of-living adjustment was gazetted by the DPSA effective 1 April 2026 for salary levels 1–12, with corresponding adjustments to the SAPS Occupation Specific Dispensation. Notch progression continues annually on top of this.

How do I apply to SAPS?+

SAPS advertises trainee positions on saps.gov.za and via the Government Communication and Information System. Requirements: matric, age 18–30, SA citizen, no criminal record, fluency in English and one other official language, medically fit, and able to swim.

Sources

· Department of Public Service & Administration: Circular No. 15 of 2026 (4.0% COLA effective 1 April 2026).
· PSCBC Resolution governing the Public Service salary scales.
· SAPS Salary Scales gazetted April 2024 (under OSD), adjusted by the April 2026 COLA.
· SAPS Annual Report and Strategic Plan, saps.gov.za.

SANDF army salaries by rank

Background

DPSA public-sector salary levels