South Africa jobs and salaries update: What the latest Stats SA report means for you

South Africa’s formal sector added 18,000 jobs in late 2025, but total employment is still lower than a year ago.

Advertisement

South Africa’s latest employment data shows a mixed picture: small job growth in the short term, but overall losses over the past year.

This service explainer breaks down what the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) report means for workers, job seekers, and households — and what you should do next.

What happened

According to Statistics South Africa’s latest report :

• Total jobs increased by 18,000 (0.2%) between September and December 2025
• Total employment reached 10.55 million
• However, 102,000 jobs were lost year-on-year

Key sector changes:

• Trade sector: +37,000 jobs (biggest gain)
• Business services: +17,000 jobs
• Construction: -13,000 jobs
• Manufacturing: -11,000 jobs

Earnings also increased:

Advertisement

• Total earnings rose by R74.7 billion (7.4%)
• Average monthly earnings reached R29,690
• Bonus payments increased sharply in December

Why it matters

This data affects:

• Job seekers looking for opportunities
• Workers planning finances
• Households relying on stable income

According to Pondoland Times analysis:

• Job growth is slow and uneven
• Some sectors (trade, services) are hiring
• Others (construction, manufacturing) are shrinking
• Higher earnings are partly due to bonuses, not permanent salary increases

This means income gains may not be stable or long-term.

What you need to know

1. Where jobs are growing

• Retail, shops, and hospitality (trade sector)
• Office-based and service industries

2. Where jobs are declining

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Transport and mining

3. Full-time vs part-time

• Full-time jobs increased slightly (+14,000)
• Part-time jobs also rose (+4,000)
• But both declined compared to last year

4. Earnings increase explained

• Salary growth was modest (+1.8%)
• Big jump came from bonuses (up 92.5%)

This is seasonal and may not continue.

What you should do next

If you are job hunting:

• Focus on growing sectors:
  • Retail and trade
  • Business services
• Look for short-term or seasonal work opportunities

If you are employed:

• Do not rely on bonuses for long-term planning
• Budget based on your basic salary

If you lost a job:

• Check eligibility for:
  • UIF benefits
  • Skills programmes
• Start exploring sectors that are hiring

Where to get help

• Download the full Stats SA report here:
• Visit Stats SA website: www.statssa.gov.za
• For unemployment support:
  • Department of Labour (UIF)
• For job search:
  • Local municipalities
  • Retail and service sector listings

Sources and verification

• Statistics South Africa QES Report (December 2025)
• Summary data provided in user document