Explore Our Bill Payment Services:
API Service:
Connect & Pay Bills Fast
VTU Service:
Buy Airtime & Data Cheap
Epin Service:
Print Cards Quick & Easy
- Military And Defence
- Armed Forces Guide
- South Africa
South African Soldiers Salary Per Month In Rands (2025): Full Breakdown By Rank
If you’ve ever considered joining the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) or you're simply curious about how much a soldier in South Africa earns, this 2025 guide is for you.
From fresh recruits to generals, South African soldiers receive structured monthly salaries based on rank, experience, and deployment status. Let's break down the official salary structure for SANDF soldiers in 2025.
Who Are South African Soldiers?
South African soldiers are personnel serving in any of the four branches of SANDF:
-
South African Army
-
South African Air Force
-
South African Navy
-
South African Military Health Service
They perform duties including national defense, peacekeeping, border protection, disaster response, and internal support during emergencies.
South African Soldiers Salary Per Month in 2025
Salaries are structured by military rank, which is divided into two main categories:
-
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) & Enlisted Personnel
-
Commissioned Officers
Here’s the estimated monthly pay scale for each rank group:
Non-Commissioned Officers & Enlisted Ranks
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Recruit / Trainee | 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 II | R18,000 – R22,000 |
| Warrant Officer I | R22,000 – R26,000 |
Commissioned Officer Ranks
| Rank | Estimated 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 | R75,000 – R90,000 |
| Major General | R90,000 – R110,000 |
| Lieutenant General | R120,000 – R140,000 |
| General | R150,000+ |
Note: These salaries exclude extra allowances, such as danger pay, housing, or operational deployment bonuses.
Benefits and Allowances for SANDF Soldiers
Besides the base salary, SANDF soldiers enjoy several benefits and bonuses, which include:
| Benefit / Allowance | Available? |
|---|---|
| Free Medical Care | ✅ Yes |
| Free or Subsidised Housing | ✅ Yes |
| Transport Allowance | ✅ Yes |
| Operational Allowances | ✅ Yes (when deployed) |
| Uniform & Kit Allowance | ✅ Yes |
| Retirement Pension | ✅ Yes |
| Peacekeeping Mission Bonus | ✅ Yes |
Peacekeeping mission bonuses can significantly increase earnings—especially during UN or AU deployments.
Education & Entry Qualifications
To join SANDF and earn as a soldier, applicants must meet the following:
-
Be South African citizens
-
Hold a Matric certificate or equivalent (minimum requirement)
-
Be medically and physically fit
-
Be between 18 and 22 years (or up to 26 with a degree)
-
Pass the SANDF training program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do soldiers get paid during training?
Yes. Recruits earn R4,000 to R6,000 per month during basic training.
Q: Is the salary the same across all military branches?
Yes, SANDF salaries are structured uniformly across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Health Service for each rank level.
Q: How often are soldiers promoted?
Promotions are based on years of service, performance, and completion of training or educational requirements.
Q: Can soldiers earn more while on peacekeeping missions?
Yes. Peacekeeping missions often come with UN or AU deployment allowances, which increase monthly pay significantly.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, South African soldiers earn fair and structured salaries, starting from around R8,000/month for privates, with steady increases as they move up in rank.
With strong benefits, retirement packages, and deployment bonuses, SANDF offers a stable and respected military career for those who are ready to serve their country.
