Here's a real sum. Offer A pays R22,000, but taxis cost R60 a day for 22 days: R19,221.88 after PAYE and UIF, less R1,320, leaves R17,901.88. Offer B pays R21,000 and costs R20 a day: R18,481.88 less R440 leaves R18,041.88. The offer that pays R1,000 less leaves you R140 more each month, or R1,680 a year.
What should I type in?
Use the gross salary from the offer letter, then any cash allowance. In the cost boxes, put what this job makes you spend: daily transport there and back, parking, lunch, childcare and uniform. The tool treats cash allowances as taxable pay and says so, because that's the safe assumption for most of them.
What can't the sum show?
An employer's pension contribution can be worth more than a small pay gap, and the law doesn't set a rate for private jobs. Ask for it in writing, along with who pays the medical aid premium. A 13th cheque is worth a month's pay, but check if it's guaranteed in the contract or depends on results.
Also compare fixed term against permanent, the probation period, and how far you'd have to travel if the employer moves you.
What is the lowest an offer can legally give me?
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act sets a floor that a contract can raise but not lower, for employees it covers.
- 21 consecutive days of annual leave a year, on full pay
- Sick leave of 30 days in a 36 month cycle on a five day week, or 36 days on a six day week
- 3 paid family responsibility days a year, after more than four months, if you work at least four days a week
- Notice of one week in your first six months, two weeks up to a year, and four weeks after that
- 45 ordinary hours a week at most, and overtime at one and a half times your pay unless you earn above the threshold of R269,600.90 a year
How do I compare a government package with a private salary?
Read the wording. Plus benefits, as in most Level 1 to 10 adverts, means the benefits come on top of the figure. All-inclusive package means they're inside it, so it isn't the same as basic pay. A public servant also pays no UIF and pays 7.5% of pensionable salary to the GEPF, and the employer adds 13%, or 16% in services such as SAPS and the SANDF.
Questions people ask
What is CTC or cost to company?
It's everything the job costs the employer, which can include its pension and medical aid share. It isn't your pay. Ask for the basic pay and the deductions, then put your real gross figure here.
Is basic salary the same as gross salary?
No. Basic salary is the fixed part. Gross is basic plus allowances and other taxable pay, before deductions. Overtime pay is normally worked out on your wage, so ask how an allowance is treated.
Should I accept the offer that leaves more money?
Not always. This shows the money only. A permanent post with a pension and training can beat a slightly better short contract. Use the sum to see what that security is costing you.
How long should I take to decide?
Ask for the offer in writing and for a few days to read it. Don't resign from your present job until you have a signed contract.
Sources
Checked 2 November 2026.