How is overtime paid in South Africa?

Overtime is paid at no less than 1.5× the worker's ordinary wage (BCEA s10). A worker may not work more than 3 hours' overtime a day or 10 hours a week, and overtime must be agreed.

How much do I pay for Sunday work?

Under BCEA s16, a worker who does NOT ordinarily work on Sundays is paid double (2×) for each hour worked. A worker who ordinarily works on Sundays is paid 1.5×. Either way they must get at least their ordinary daily wage.

How is public-holiday pay calculated?

Under BCEA s18, if a public holiday falls on a day the worker would normally work and they don't work, they still get their ordinary day's pay. If they do work, they get the greater of double the daily wage, or their ordinary day's pay plus the amount earned for the time worked.

Free tool

Overtime, Sunday & public-holiday pay calculator

Work out exactly what to pay your domestic worker for overtime, Sunday work, public holidays and night shifts under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act — with a clear breakdown you can email yourself.

Ordinary rate (R per hour) *

The worker's normal hourly wage

Overtime (BCEA s10)

Overtime hours (1.5×)

Sunday work (BCEA s16)

Sunday hours

Worker ordinarily works Sundays (pays 1.5× instead of 2×)

Public holiday (BCEA s18)

Hours worked on the day

Ordinary hours for that day

Used for the greater-of rule

Worker actually worked the public holiday (untick: paid but didn't work)

Night work (BCEA s17)

Night hours (18:00–06:00)

Agreed allowance (%)

No statutory minimum — by agreement

BCEA s17 sets no fixed percentage — night work must be compensated by an allowance (which may be a shift allowance) or reduced hours, and transport must be available.

Enter the ordinary hourly rate and any premium hours to see the breakdown.

Premium pay — quick answers

How is overtime paid in South Africa?: Overtime is paid at no less than 1.5× the worker's ordinary wage (BCEA s10). A worker may not work more than 3 hours' overtime a day or 10 hours a week, and overtime must be agreed.
How much do I pay for Sunday work?: Under BCEA s16, a worker who does NOT ordinarily work on Sundays is paid double (2×) for each hour worked. A worker who ordinarily works on Sundays is paid 1.5×. Either way they must get at least their ordinary daily wage.
How is public-holiday pay calculated?: Under BCEA s18, if a public holiday falls on a day the worker would normally work and they don't work, they still get their ordinary day's pay. If they do work, they get the greater of double the daily wage, or their ordinary day's pay plus the amount earned for the time worked.
Is there a fixed night-work allowance?: No. BCEA s17 sets no statutory percentage. Night work (after 18:00 and before 06:00) must be compensated by an allowance — which may be a shift allowance, by agreement — or by reduced working hours, and transport must be available.

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.