Grade C Security Salary Per Month In South Africa

If you hold a PSIRA Grade C and you are wondering what you should earn per month, this guide lays out the official minimums, how areas affect pay, and what you will likely take home after common deductions. Salaries vary by level, so completing a Psira grades check helps confirm the correct classification. You will also get a step-by-step way to check your payslip and a short FAQ section to clear up the usual questions.

What sets your Grade C pay

In the private security sector, minimum wages are not left to chance. They are set through the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector, often shortened to NBCPSS. The council publishes an official Illustrative Pricing Guide that translates the main agreement into monthly amounts for each grade and area. The latest multi-year table covers 2023 to 2027 and shows year-by-year monthly salaries.

Two location bands are used:

Area 1 and Area 2: Urban and metro districts
Area 3: All other magisterial districts

Your site location decides which band applies. The guide lists the Area 1 and Area 2 cities by name and treats all others as Area 3.

Current minimum monthly salary for Grade C

Here are the official minimum monthly salaries for Grade C (also shown in the guide as C/D/E) for the two current cycles.

1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025

Area	Monthly Rate (R)	Hourly Equivalent (R)
Area 1	6,514	31.32
Area 2	6,514	31.32
Area 3	5,855	28.15

1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026

Area	Monthly Amount	Hourly Equivalent
Area 1	R6,514	R31.32
Area 2	R6,514	R31.32
Area 3	R5,855	R28.15

These are minimums from the industry agreement. Employers can pay more, but not less.

What you are likely to take home

Your payslip will show lawful deductions such as UIF and the Private Security Sector Provident Fund.

UIF: 1 percent from you, 1 percent from your employer, on your remuneration up to the UIF earnings ceiling. The 1 percent employee portion reduces your take-home.
PSSPF: The Private Security Sector Provident Fund is mandatory for eligible private security employees. As of 1 March 2025, member contributions increased to 7.5 percent. Employers also contribute in line with the fund rules and main agreement. Your own 7.5 percent contribution is deducted from your salary.
Income tax (PAYE): At Grade C rates this is often small or zero, because many Grade C annual totals fall below the primary tax threshold. For the 2025 tax year, the primary threshold is R95,750. If your annual taxable income is below this, PAYE should be nil. Always check your personal situation, especially if you earn variable overtime or allowances.

Security officers aiming to increase their earnings often advance through Fidelity training courses, which provide the skills needed for higher grades and better opportunities.

Example: Area 1 or 2, 2025–2026 cycle

Basic monthly minimum: R7,003
Less UIF 1 percent: R70.03
Less PSSPF member 7.5 percent: R525.23
Estimated take-home before PAYE and other company-specific items: about R6,408

If you earn regular Sunday or public holiday premiums, your gross can be higher and deductions will scale accordingly. Figures above are estimates based on the published minimum and standard statutory rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Grade C officers receive overtime pay?

Yes. Overtime is compensated according to labour regulations and increases the monthly salary.

Can Grade C security officers receive bonuses?

Some employers offer annual bonuses, performance bonuses, or festive bonuses.

Does experience affect Grade C salary?

Yes. Officers with more years of experience usually earn higher salaries or move up to Grade B or A.

Do Grade C officers get medical aid or benefits?

Not all companies offer benefits. Larger firms may provide medical aid, UIF, and pension contributions.

Are salaries different between armed and unarmed Grade C officers?

Armed security roles often receive higher pay due to added responsibility.

Does PSIRA registration influence salary?

Yes. Valid PSIRA registration is required and may impact the salary level and role assignment.

Can Grade C security guards get accommodation allowances?

Some companies provide housing or transport allowances, especially for remote projects.

Do security companies pay for uniforms?

Many companies supply uniforms at no cost, but some deduct uniform fees from salaries.

Can Grade C officers increase their earnings?

Yes, through overtime, night shifts, site allowances, or upgrading to Grade B or A.

You work hard to keep people and property safe. You deserve clarity on your pay. Use the NBCPSS salary table for your area and year, check UIF and provident fund deductions, and keep copies of the official documents when you query payroll. If anything looks off, raise it early with HR and refer to the exact cycle dates and rand amounts shown in the council’s guide. That way, you will know you are getting every rand you are entitled to.

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Palesa

Palesa is a security compliance professional with experience in a government-affiliated security institute, specializing in PSIRA verification and regulatory standards within South Africa’s private security sector.