Entry-level Police Officer salary in South Africa
What first-year police officers actually earn in South Africa, the path from entry to mid-level, and the hourly rate behind those monthly numbers.
Starting pay
R14 000/mo
After 1–2 years
R22 000/mo
Hourly rate
R81–R127/hr
What you'll earn as a junior police officer
- • Most first-year police officers start between R14 000 and R22 000 per month.
- • That works out to roughly R81–R127 per hour on a 40-hour week.
- • Education path: Matric + SAPS training academy.
- • Typical experience needed at entry: Progression through ranks and specialist units.
- • Within 3–5 years, mid-level pay rises to around R30 000/month.
From entry to mid-level
Within 3–5 years, mid-level police officer pay rises to around R30 000/month - a 114% increase over your starting salary.
See full Police Officer salary guide →