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- Military And Defence
- Armed Forces Guide
- South Africa
South African Army Ranks & Salary Structure In 2025: Their Official Monthly Pay & Benefits
The South African Army is the landward branch of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and plays a vital role in national defence, peacekeeping, and disaster response.
In 2025, interest in military careers in South Africa has grown, especially among young people seeking discipline, purpose, and a stable income. Whether you're considering enlisting or simply curious, this guide will walk you through the ranks, monthly salaries, and key benefits of the South African Army.
South African Army Rank Structure (2025)
The South African Army follows a British-style military ranking system, divided into:
Commissioned Officers
| Officer Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| General | Highest-ranking officer |
| Lieutenant General | 3-star general |
| Major General | 2-star general |
| Brigadier General | 1-star general |
| Colonel | Senior field officer |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Battalion-level officer |
| Major | Mid-ranking officer |
| Captain | Junior officer |
| Lieutenant | Entry-level commissioned |
| Second Lieutenant | Officer cadet rank |
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) & Enlisted Personnel
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| Warrant Officer Class 1 | Highest non-commissioned rank |
| Warrant Officer Class 2 | Senior NCO |
| Staff Sergeant | Experienced leader |
| Sergeant | Squad commander |
| Corporal | Junior NCO |
| Lance Corporal | Promoted private |
| Private | Trained soldier |
| Recruit | Trainee in basic training |
South African Army Monthly Salary Structure in 2025
Salaries vary based on rank, deployment status, and years of service. Here’s the estimated 2025 official monthly salary breakdown (in South African Rand - ZAR):
Enlisted & NCOs
| Rank | Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Recruit | R4,000 – R6,000 |
| Private | R8,000 – R10,000 |
| Lance Corporal | R10,000 – R12,000 |
| Corporal | R12,000 – R14,000 |
| Sergeant | R14,000 – R16,000 |
| Staff Sergeant | R16,000 – R18,000 |
| Warrant Officer 2 | R18,000 – R22,000 |
| Warrant Officer 1 | R22,000 – R26,000 |
Commissioned Officers
| Rank | Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | R20,000 – R25,000 |
| Lieutenant | R25,000 – R30,000 |
| Captain | R30,000 – R35,000 |
| Major | R35,000 – R45,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | R45,000 – R55,000 |
| Colonel | R55,000 – R65,000 |
| Brigadier General | R70,000 – R85,000 |
| Major General | R90,000 – R110,000 |
| Lieutenant General | R120,000 – R140,000 |
| General | R150,000+ |
Note: These figures are estimated averages and do not include additional benefits like housing, risk/danger pay, or allowances for international peacekeeping missions.
Additional Benefits & Allowances
In addition to their monthly salary, South African Army personnel are entitled to:
Housing Assistance
-
Accommodation in barracks or housing allowances.
Medical Care
-
Free or subsidised healthcare through the Military Health Service.
Uniform & Equipment Allowance
-
Issued annually or upon promotion.
Deployment Allowances
-
Extra income for personnel deployed for:
-
Peacekeeping missions (UN/AU)
-
Internal emergencies (floods, unrest, etc.)
-
Border patrol operations
-
Pension & Retirement Benefits
-
After completing years of service, personnel qualify for government-backed pension payouts.
Career Path and Promotion
Promotion in the army is based on:
-
Time in service
-
Completion of training courses
-
Performance appraisals
-
Education level
Personnel with degrees or military qualifications progress faster and may enter as commissioned officers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do army recruits get paid during training?
Yes. Recruits earn between R4,000 – R6,000 per month during basic military training (BMT).
Q: Can I join the South African Army with just a matric certificate?
Yes. A National Senior Certificate (matric) is the minimum requirement for entry-level roles. Higher education may be required for officer roles.
Q: Are there salary differences between army and air force officers?
Generally, no. Salaries across SANDF branches are similar by rank, but specialisation may attract bonuses.
Q: Do soldiers deployed outside South Africa earn more?
Yes. Peacekeeping missions come with additional foreign and risk allowances.
Final Thoughts
A career in the South African Army offers more than just a salary. It’s a chance to build leadership skills, serve your country, and earn a stable income with long-term benefits.
Whether you're aiming to become a general or serve proudly as a foot soldier, the 2025 salary structure ensures that all levels are rewarded fairly, with room for growth and development.
