Public management is a critical field that ensures the implementation of government policies and the smooth running of the government. In South Africa, public management helps to maintain and provide essential services to the public through public managers. Sometimes, private-sector firms may also employ public managers to serve as liaisons between the company and the South African government. Several factors, such as experience, education, and specific role requirements, influence public management jobs and salaries in South Africa.
This article explains how much do public managers earn per month, career growth, and how to increase your salary.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Public Management Salaries in South Africa
Public managers are essential for public sector enterprises’ daily functions and operations. They help ensure that essential services such as education, water, and electricity reach the people on time. These public services are managed by public managers employed by various government departments in South Africa to ensure their availability.
Public managers work in the interests of South Africa’s citizens, and they study courses that teach them to improve society. Additionally, public management professionals work to remove inefficient roles so that the overall organisation or project reaches optimum functionality.
In South Africa, public management falls under the Department of Public Service and Administration. The department advertises vacancies, along with requirements and educational qualifications, across divisions. Some factors influencing public management salary in South Africa are education, work experience, and required skills.
Public Management Salary Overview
Most of the public management salary in South Africa start at R27,374 for entry-level positions, while experienced workers earn an average of R325,870. In addition to the base salary in South Africa, public management salaries include housing allowance, medical benefits, and a pension.
A mid-level role, such as Project Manager, requires at least two years of experience working in the public sector. A senior-level role, such as Director of Communications, requires five years of experience in middle and senior-level management and proficiency in writing various documents.
Public Management Jobs and Salaries in South Africa
Public management positions follow the same pattern as those in the private sector. Therefore, employees can work in departments such as finance or human resources. Public sector employees are not limited to a specific governmental department or organisation. They can gain experience and seek promotions within their enterprise or apply to other open positions as advertised by the Department of Public Service and Administration.
As with any organisation, entry and mid-level jobs are easier to find in the public sector. Eligibility for public management jobs and their salaries in South Africa depend on several factors. Experienced positions require more work experience, proficiency in critical thinking and management skills, and a proven record of leadership.
Middle and senior-level management roles in the public sector are highly sought after. Employees who reach this position can use it to implement actual change that will result in optimal service management. The following table shows the salary level based on experience level:
| Salary Indicator | Description | Amount (ZAR) |
| Entry-Level Salary | Typical starting monthly salary for newly appointed public management professionals | R27,374 |
| Average Salary | Estimated average earnings across all experience levels and departments | R325,870 |
| Median Salary | Midpoint salary indicates what a typical professional earns, excluding extremes | R59,045 |
| Highest Salary | Upper-end salary earned by highly experienced professionals in senior departmental roles | R624,365 |
There are various ways to gain entry into working in the public sector. Individuals can begin working through the learnership programme in South Africa, which provides education and on-the-job training. Several positions, such as clerk, only require candidates to hold a secondary school certification.
Public Management Salary Comparisons
People who choose to work in the public sector wish to make an impact and improve the quality of services and access provided to citizens. Public management positions in South Africa are well-paying roles that also include additional benefits such as pension, medical allowance, housing allowance, etc. The following table shows the salary figure position wise:
| Level / Role Category | Approximate Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
| Entry-Level Administration / Junior Support Roles | R27,374 – R40,000 |
| Supervisory, Officer, or Junior Management Roles | R40,000 – R85,000 |
| Mid-Level Management (Assistant Director / Department Manager) | R85,000 – R130,000 |
| Senior Management Service (Director / Chief / Head of Department) | R130,000 – R165,000+ |
Overall, there is little difference in the salaries of public and private sector employees in some popular managerial positions. However, government employees earn extra benefits, making their positions highly attractive to the general public.
Employees in the public sector enjoy greater job stability, but to grow your career, you need to take the same steps that you would in the private sector. If your career has stagnated, enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management offered by Regenesys School of Public Management would be beneficial. This flexible online programme allows professionals to study at their own pace and become an expert in policy analysis and strategic planning.
How to Increase Your Salary in Public Management?
If you are currently employed in the public sector, one of the best ways to increase your salary is to attend a programme in higher education. An advanced degree offers a deeper understanding of public management and can be a refresher in certain subjects.
Professionals with bachelor’s degrees can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management or the Master of Public Management at Regenesys. Working professionals can opt for online learning that allows them to complete the coursework around their work schedule.
When enroled in an advanced degree programme, public management students are taught critical skills such as crisis management, understanding public policy, and strategic management. However, to be a successful public manager, they also need soft skills that can only come from experience. Some of these skills are:
- Leadership: These roles require strong leaders who can communicate the goals and motivate internal and external stakeholders to meet targets.
- Negotiation: A strong negotiator can be effective in resource allocation and asking for funds or fast-tracking deadlines to ensure that the project is completed on time.
- Communication: Strong communication skills are required to convey the organisation’s message, as well as the project’s goals, benefits, timeline, etc.
- Decision-making: A public manager should be a good decision-maker, which will lead to quicker implementation of policies or organisational changes.
- Solution-oriented: Instead of just finding the source of the problem, a public manager should also try to find a solution promptly.
Another option would be to apply for a vacancy where you can utilise the skills you have learned in your current profile. A job change can also provide experience in another governmental organisation, making your resume more attractive to future prospects.
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
Public Management jobs are highly sought after in South Africa because of the attractive salary package, incentives, and stability they provide. Public management salaries vary according to the level of education and work experience required for a position. In addition to solid educational qualifications, public managers are trained in soft skills that set them apart from the competition.
Regenesys Education offers several public management programmes that will ensure success in the public sector. Visit our website to know more.
FAQ
What are some factors that determine public management salaries in South Africa?
Factors determining public management salaries include education, experience, leadership skills, and location.
What are some common public management jobs in South Africa?
Some typical public management jobs in South Africa are Communications Manager, Relationship Manager, and Administrator.
What are public management jobs salary?
The salary of a public management employee varies depending on educational qualifications and experience. As of 2024, public management salaries start from R27,374, while experienced workers can expect to take home R624,365 annually
What is the average public management salary per month in South Africa?
The average monthly salary of a public management employee can vary depending on the role and their level of expertise.
How can I improve my public management salary while on the job?
Upskilling or gaining an additional certification is one of the most common ways to increase your salary. Alternatively, you can also apply for vacancies advertised by the Department of Public Service and Administration.
