How Much Do ECD Teachers Earn?

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is one of the most important foundations in education. Before children even step into a Grade 1 classroom, ECD teachers have already played a key role in shaping their learning, behavior, and social skills. In South Africa, where early learning is critical for bridging educational gaps, ECD teachers are at the heart of preparing young learners for school readiness.

But one of the most frequently asked questions is: How much do ECD teachers actually earn? The answer depends on many factors, including qualifications, type of employer, location, and whether the ECD centre is privately owned, community-based, or funded by government.

In this blog, we break down ECD teacher salaries, what influences pay, and what aspiring teachers can expect in terms of income.

Understanding the Role of an ECD Teacher

Before looking at salaries, it’s important to understand what an ECD teacher does. Their responsibilities go beyond babysitting — they are educators who design learning programmes, create safe and stimulating environments, and help children between birth and 5 years old develop language, cognitive, social, and motor skills.

ECD Teachers Roles:

• Planning daily lessons and play-based learning activities.
• Monitoring children’s progress and development.
• Communicating with parents about children’s growth.
• Ensuring health, safety, and nutrition standards are met.
• Providing emotional support and guidance.

Average Salaries of ECD Teachers in South Africa

An average salary of an ECD teacher in South Africa is R10 000.

It is important to note that the salary range of an ECD teacher also varies depending on the institution. Lets take a close look on those institutions:

Community-Based ECD Centres
Many community preschools are non-profit and rely heavily on government subsidies or parent fees. Here, teachers often earn the lowest salaries, ranging between R2,500 – R6,000 per month.

Private Preschools and Daycare Centres
In private schools, salaries are slightly higher, usually ranging from R5,000 – R12,000 per month, depending on the school’s fees and resources.

Government-Funded ECD Centres or Grade R in Public Schools
Teachers employed in government-subsidised Grade R classes can earn better salaries, particularly if they are employed directly by the Department of Education. In these cases, salaries range from R7,000 – R18,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

What Influences ECD Teacher Salaries?

These factors determine how much an ECD teacher earns:

Qualifications

• Teachers with only a short course or unaccredited training often earn the least.
• Those with accredited ECD qualifications, such as an NQF Level 4 or Level 5 ECD certificate, earn slightly more.
• Teachers with a Diploma or Degree in ECD or Foundation Phase Teaching tend to secure higher-paying positions, especially in government-funded schools.

Experience

• A teacher who has been working for more than 10 years will usually earn more than someone starting out. However, in many community centres, even experienced teachers may still earn below a living wage.

Location

• Urban centres like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban generally offer higher salaries.
• Rural or township schools often struggle with funding, leading to lower salaries.

Type of Employer

• Private institutions with higher school fees usually pay better.
• Community preschools rely on government subsidies, which are often limited.

The Struggle for Fair Pay

Despite their importance, many ECD teachers in South Africa face financial struggles. According to reports from education organisations, a large portion of ECD practitioners earn below the national minimum wage, which was set at R27.58 per hour in 2025.

This has sparked calls for government to formalise the ECD sector and ensure that teachers are paid fairly. In fact, the Department of Basic Education has been in the process of integrating ECD under its administration (previously under the Department of Social Development), with the hope of improving funding, training, and salaries for teachers.

Career Growth and Opportunities

For many ECD teachers, salaries improve with further studies. A common pathway is upgrading from a basic ECD certificate to a diploma or even a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching. This opens doors to Grade R and higher levels in public schools, where salaries are significantly better.

Additionally, some ECD teachers supplement their income by:

• Offering private tutoring.
• Running aftercare services.
• Starting their own daycare or ECD centre.
• Providing extra lessons in literacy and numeracy.
• Entrepreneurship in the ECD sector has become a growing trend, particularly for teachers with experience and strong community networks.

Why ECD Teachers Deserve Better Pay

It’s no secret that early learning is one of the most important stages in education. Studies show that children who receive quality early education perform better academically later in life. Yet, the people who provide this foundation are often among the lowest paid in the education sector.

Improving ECD salaries isn’t just about fairness — it’s about ensuring quality education. When teachers are motivated, supported, and paid adequately, children benefit from improved teaching, better care, and stronger foundations for lifelong learning.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do ECD teachers earn? The answer varies widely, from as little as R2,500 per month in struggling community preschools to as much as R18,000 per month in government-funded Grade R classes. On average, most ECD teachers earn between R6,000 and R10,000 per month.

While this may provide a starting point for those entering the profession, it also highlights a bigger issue: the need for government and society to invest more in early education and recognise ECD teachers as the professionals they truly are.

If you’re passionate about shaping young lives and considering a career in ECD, know that it is rewarding beyond money. But also keep in mind that pursuing further studies and qualifications can open doors to better-paying opportunities in the future.