How much do I pay a domestic worker for overtime, Sundays and public holidays?
Short answer
Overtime is paid at 1.5× the ordinary wage (BCEA s10), capped at 3 hours a day and 10 hours a week. Sunday work is paid double (2×) unless the worker ordinarily works Sundays, in which case it is 1.5× (s16). A public holiday is paid even if not worked; if worked, the worker gets the greater of double the daily wage or their ordinary day's pay plus the amount earned for the time worked (s18). Night work (18:00–06:00) has no fixed statutory percentage — it requires an allowance or reduced hours, plus available transport (s17).
Step by step
1Start from the worker's ordinary hourly rate.
2For overtime, multiply by 1.5 (BCEA s10) — and check it stays within 3 hours/day and 10 hours/week.
3For Sunday work, multiply by 2, or by 1.5 if the worker ordinarily works Sundays (s16).
4For a public holiday worked, pay the greater of double the day or the day plus the hours worked (s18).
5For night work, agree an allowance or reduced hours and make transport available (s17).
Overtime (BCEA s10)
Overtime is any work beyond the worker's ordinary hours (ordinary hours may not exceed 45 a week). It must be agreed, and it is paid at no less than 1.5 times the ordinary wage. A worker may not work more than 3 hours' overtime a day or 10 hours' overtime a week. By agreement, paid time off can be given instead of the overtime premium.
Sunday work (BCEA s16)
A worker who does not ordinarily work on Sundays is paid double (2×) for each hour worked on a Sunday. A worker who ordinarily works on Sundays is paid 1.5×. Either way, if they work less than their ordinary shift they must still receive at least their ordinary daily wage. Paid time off can be agreed in place of the Sunday premium.
Public holidays (BCEA s18)
If a public holiday falls on a day the worker would normally work and they do not work, they must still be paid their ordinary day's pay. If they do work the public holiday, they are paid the greater of double the daily wage, or their ordinary day's pay plus the amount earned for the time actually worked. A worker cannot be forced to work on a public holiday.
Night work (BCEA s17)
Night work means work performed after 18:00 and before 06:00. There is no fixed statutory percentage allowance: the worker must be compensated either by an allowance (which may be a shift allowance, by agreement) or by a reduction of working hours, and transport must be available between home and work at the start and end of the shift. Regular night work (more than an hour after 23:00, at least 5 times a month or 50 times a year) triggers extra health, medical-examination and information duties.
Frequently asked questions
What is the overtime rate for a domestic worker?
1.5× the ordinary wage, with a maximum of 3 hours' overtime a day and 10 hours a week (BCEA s10).
Do I pay double for Sunday work?
Yes, 2× if the worker does not ordinarily work Sundays. If they do ordinarily work Sundays, the rate is 1.5× (BCEA s16).
Is there a legal night-shift allowance percentage?
No. BCEA s17 requires an allowance or reduced hours plus available transport for work between 18:00 and 06:00, but it does not set a fixed percentage — the amount is by agreement.
Dignita is a compliance tool, not legal advice. Figures are based on current South African legislation; confirm with a labour-law professional for your situation.