Diploma in Policing Salary in South Africa
A successful career in law enforcement, especially in the police department in South Africa, can be challenging and rewarding. This is a noble job as you protect communities and uphold justice, which can be very rewarding for someone who loves their job. However, those who are aspiring to become police officers may have an essential query in their minds: what is the expected monthly salary of a police officer?
This question cannot be answered simply because the salary figures are influenced by a number of factors. However, the average gross salary of a working police officer in South Africa is approximately R18,600 per month. Furthermore, let’s analyze various factors that may influence the salary of a police officer in South Africa.
Diploma in Policing Salary
Once you acquire a diploma in policing and become a police officer in South Africa, your salary will range from as low as 8,550 ZAR to as high as 29,600 ZAR. However, the gross average salary before tax deduction is around 18,600 per month. Furthermore, a police officer in South Africa makes approximately R223,000 per year.
A police officer in America earns around $61,958 per year, $4,387 per month, and $27.85 per hour. Comparatively, this makes around R83,090.44, which is a very high amount as compared to the same job in South Africa.
The police danger allowance was increased in 2022 from R400 to R700. However, the Inkatha Freedom Party shows concerns that their overall salaries should be increased as their jobs are very tough and dangerous. Moreover, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has agreed to increase the service allowance of officers who are on operational duties.
Salary Variations for Police Officers in South Africa
The salary of policemen depends on a range of factors, including age, experience, education, etc. So, let’s look into the salary variations based on these factors.
Based on Experience
Experience is vital in determining a policeman’s salary in South Africa. With experience, employees learn new skills and become more efficient in their respective fields. Similarly, on average, a police officer’s salary doubles their initial salary by the time they gain ten years of experience.
| Years of Experience | Salary | Increase in Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 years | R 9,710 | |
| 2 to 5 years | R 13,000 | +34% |
| 5 to 10 years | R 19,200 | +48% |
| 10 to 15 years | R 23,400 | +22% |
| 15 to 20 years | R 25,500 | +9% |
| 20 plus years | R 27,600 | +8% |
Based on Education
Your qualifications also influence your salary as a police officer. If you have a higher education degree your salary will be significantly higher than someone with only a high school degree. Moreover, here is a tabulated description of the effect of education on policemen’s salaries.
| Degree | Salary | Increase in Salary |
| High school | R 11,100 | |
| Certificate or Diploma | R 17,400 | +57% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | R 29,100 | +68% |
Based on Gender
Even though gender should not influence the salaries of employees in any field. However, in this field, male police officers earn 11% more than female police officers in South Africa.
What Does a Police Officer Do?
Police officers in South Africa are responsible for actively preventing and deterring criminal activities. This means they have to patrol neighborhoods, conduct visible policing, and respond promptly to potential threats. Furthermore, they enforce laws and regulations to maintain peace in the area.
They engage in community policing and work with local communities to inspect and resolve safety concerns. Moreover, they are also responsible for traffic management, public safety, search and rescue, criminal investigation, etc.
What Does the Salary of Police Officers Depend Upon?
The salaries of policemen in South Africa are discussed and registered at the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC) which was made to consult issues of Labour and Management collectively. Moreover, the employees from the government and public sector gather to discuss and agree upon their salaries and benefits.
It includes employees in the safety and security sector, which includes the South African Police Service (SAPS). SAPS is the national police force of the Republic of South Africa.
Additionally, policemen are mostly government employees, and they are usually responsible for police officers’ salaries. Moreover, the Minister of Police is responsible for determining national policing policy.
How much is the police salary in South Africa?
The average gross salary of a police officer in South Africa is R18,600 per month and R223,000 per year.
What benefits do police officers get in South Africa?
Police Officers in South Africa receive generous benefits of parental leave, long-service leave, study leave, sick leave, family carer’s leave, compassionate leave, sporting leave, etc.
What can I do with a policing diploma in South Africa?
With a policing diploma in South Africa, you can join various positions in the police field such as police officer, private investigator, traffic officer, private security officer, and forensic lab technician.
How many hours do police officers work in South Africa?
On average, police officers work for eight hours in South Africa.
Which course is best for police officers in South Africa?
The STADIO School of Law Enforcement and Policing is currently the best policing course in South Africa.
In short, the police job in South Africa is tough, dangerous, and demanding. On average, a police officer earns around R18,600 per month in South Africa. Furthermore, their salaries depend on numerous factors like experience, education, and gender.
