What to pay a nanny, domestic worker or carer in Cape Town (ZAR, 2026)
Updated 20 August 2026
In Cape Town in 2026, Care4SA’s informal guide for a nanny is about R80/hr typical (R50–R150). A domestic worker is about R70/hr typical (R40–R120), which must still sit at or above the legal national minimum. These are conversation starters from our marketplace — not a wage determination and not payroll advice.
The legal minimum for a domestic worker from 1 March 2026 is R30,23 per ordinary hour. That is the Department of Employment and Labour floor, not a Care4SA “typical” rate. See how to hire a domestic worker legally.
| Role | Typical /hr | Range /hr | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanny / babysitter | R80 | R50–R150 | Live-in nannies are often monthly; babysitting is usually hourly. |
| Domestic worker / housekeeper | R70 | R40–R120 | Check the current domestic worker minimum wage for your area. |
| Carer / companion | R90 | R60–R160 | Overnight and dementia care usually sit at the higher end. |
| Pets | R70 | R40–R150 | Walks are cheaper; overnight boarding costs more. |
| Tutor / extra lessons | R150 | R80–R350 | Matric and specialised subjects cost more than homework help. |
Also listed
| Role | Typical /hr | Range /hr | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardener | R80 | R50–R150 | Day rates are common for once-off clean-ups. |
| Painter | R150 | R80–R400 | Quote per room or per job, not only per hour. |
Johannesburg is next after Cape Town. Until we have local jobs there, treat these as a national conversation range, not a Joburg survey.
Care4SA does not run payroll, UIF filings, or SARS submissions. Agree hours and pay in writing before the first day.
Common questions
- How much does a nanny cost in Cape Town in 2026?
- Care4SA’s informal guide is about R50–R150 per hour, typically around R80/hr. Live-in nannies are often paid monthly; babysitting is usually hourly. Agree the rate in writing before the first day.
- What is the hourly rate for a domestic worker in South Africa?
- From 1 March 2026 the National Minimum Wage for domestic workers is R30,23 per ordinary hour (Government Gazette 54075). Cape Town homes on Care4SA often budget more: about R40–R120/hr, typically around R70/hr. You may not pay below the legal floor.
- What should I pay a pet sitter in Cape Town?
- Our informal guide is about R40–R150/hr, typically around R70/hr. Walks are usually cheaper; overnight boarding costs more.
- How much does elderly home care cost in Cape Town?
- Our informal guide for a carer or companion is about R60–R160/hr, typically around R90/hr. Overnight and dementia care usually sit at the higher end.
- Is this the official minimum wage?
- No. The Care4SA table is an informal marketplace guide. The legal floor for domestic workers is set by the Department of Employment and Labour under the National Minimum Wage Act. Always check labour.gov.za for the current amount.
Official minimum wage: South African Government statement · labour.gov.za.