Public Management Salary in Johannesburg – Know the Figures

Public administration and management are crucial to a government when it comes to delivering public services. It involves setting up and planning policies that support public services. Good public management aims to optimise effectiveness and efficiency and enhance customer service. 

Individuals from Johannesburg seeking to join the public sector must have an idea about the salaries that they can earn in public management. This can help them with keeping salary expectations, setting career goals and acting accordingly.

This article will inform you about the public management salary in Johannesburgand related details.

Public Management Jobs in Johannesburg

To understand the public management salary in Johannesburg, you must note that it can vary across different job roles. Therefore, it is first essential to know about the different public management jobs that you can take up in this city.

Given below are some of the job roles that you can consider:

1. Public Affairs Specialist

These professionals work in private organisations or government agencies to inform the public and promote services by developing informative materials. They need to collaborate with media and communication groups on current crises or issues. These individuals create news articles by gathering information from relevant sources and interviewing experts.

They also train staff members and peers, providing them with tips and skills regarding speaking to the press.

2. Policy Analyst

A policy analyst plays a vital role in analysing, evaluating, and developing policies within public organisations and government agencies. These individuals conduct research, gather data, and recommend to policymakers regarding public policies. These professionals form an integral part of governance, aiming for the ethical, effective, and quick resolution of widespread public issues.

3. Public Relations Specialist in Government

A public relations specialist working in the government ensures that the communication of information to the public takes place effectively. They also help in managing the public image of government agencies. The responsibilities of these individuals also involve developing and delivering key messages through close collaboration with government officials, the media, and other stakeholders.

Read: A Detailed Insight Into The Role of AI in Public Administration

A Look at the Public Management Salary in Johannesburg

Now that we have an idea of some public management job roles, we can proceed with their salaries in Johannesburg. For a specific job role in Johannesburg, the salary can vary based on several factors, including the hierarchical level. 

Have a look at the public management salary in Johannesburg for the roles mentioned above:

• Public Relations Specialist – According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a public relations specialist in Johannesburg is R299 668, as of March 2025. This is 78% above the national average.
• Policy Analyst – According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a policy analyst in Johannesburg is R288 914, as of April 2024. This is 67% lower than the national average.
• Public Affairs Specialist – According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a public affairs specialist in Johannesburg is R76 633, as of January 2026. This is the same as the national average.

Also read: Know About The Top AI Tools for Public Managers.

How to Earn a Higher Public Management Salary in Johannesburg?

Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or just seeking details about earning a higher salary in public management can consider pursuing a Master of Public Management programme. Students of this programme acquire policy analysis skills, knowledge of civic organisation strategies and human resources management. These help them sit in key government positions.

This degree paves the way for in-demand roles in multilateral organisations and the government. Many sectors seek MPM graduates for roles in organisational management, executive leadership, and policy analysis.

Master’s degree holders typically have more job responsibilities, thus earning more than those who do not possess advanced degrees in public management and governance. 

An MPM degree can help you gain the benefits of more flexibility and higher pay, irrespective of whether you want to work in a private firm, a government agency or an educational institution.

Go through this article to Know About The Integration of AI in Public Policy & More.

Why Choose Regenesys for an MPM Programme?

If you are interested in a Master of Public Management programme, you should opt for a reputable institution to pursue the same. Choose Regenesys Education for that matter. It has a state-of-the-art campus in Sandton and a legacy spanning more than 25 years.

The MPM programme at Regenesys has an AI-integrated curriculum. It provides students with hands-on insights into governance challenges, decision-making in complex environments and policy analysis. Additionally, it combines real-world public-sector scenarios with research insights that enable students to tackle socio-economic challenges clearly.

This programme at Regenesys is accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

Explore Our Other Programmes

Conclusion

Public management addresses the challenges governments and communities face. It is a vital field in the modern, rapidly evolving world. There has been a global increase in demand for skilled public managers. This is because the countries are facing economic and social challenges, and there are growing populations.

Now that you have an idea about the public management salary in Johannesburg, you should be able to decide on your career goals. 

Choose Regenesys Education if you want to pursue an AI-powered public management programme.

Contact us to know more.

FAQs