Pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa

South Africa: Pay compression ratio in public sector was 35.3% in 2019. ◆ Volatile

Latest (2019)
35.3%
Change on year
down 1.2%
World rank
1st
of 60 countries
All-time high
37.2%
in 2016
All-time low
7.8%
in 2000
Years of data
10
2000–2019

Pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa, 2000–2019

102030402000200920192000: 7.8 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2001: 8.1 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2003: 8 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2010: 15.2 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2012: 19 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2013: 29.4 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2015: 36.7 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2016: 37.2 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2018: 35.7 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners2019: 35.3 ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners

Source: World Bank. Measured in ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners.

Analysis

The most recent figure for pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa is 35.3%, measured in 2019.

The figure is down 1.2% on the previous year and up 131.5% over ten years.

Over the whole period, pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa peaked at 37.2% in 2016 and was at its lowest, 7.8%, in 2000.

That places South Africa 1st out of 60 countries with data for 2019, putting it in the top 10%.

The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.

Pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa, year by year

Annual values for Pay compression ratio in public sector (ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners) in South Africa, 2000 to 2019.
Year ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners Change
2000 7.8%
2001 8.1% +4.7%
2003 8.0% -1.5%
2010 15.2% +90.5%
2012 19.0% +24.6%
2013 29.4% +54.9%
2015 36.7% +24.7%
2016 37.2% +1.4%
2018 35.7% -4.0%
2019 35.3% -1.2%

Averages by decade

DecadeAverage LowestHighest Years
2000s 8.0% 7.8% 8.1% 3
2010s 29.8% 15.2% 37.2% 7

Countries ranked near South Africa

  1. 2 Republic of Moldova 12.5% compare
  2. 3 Namibia 12.2% compare
  3. 4 Georgia 8.1% compare

See the full ranking of 60 places →

More reference data data for South Africa

All data for South Africa →

Frequently asked questions

What is pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa?
Pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa was 35.3% in 2019, according to the World Bank.
What is the highest pay compression ratio in public sector recorded in South Africa?
The highest recorded value was 37.2% in 2016.
What is the lowest pay compression ratio in public sector recorded in South Africa?
The lowest recorded value was 7.8% in 2000.
How does South Africa rank for pay compression ratio in public sector?
South Africa ranks 1st out of 60 countries with data for 2019.
Is pay compression ratio in public sector rising or falling in South Africa?
Over the last ten years it is up 131.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
Where does this South Africa data come from?
The figures come from the World Bank, published as part of Pay compression ratio in public sector (ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.

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Pay compression ratio in public sector in South Africa. Statizoid. Retrieved 03 September 2026, from https://reference.statizoid.com/stat/pay-compression-ratio-in-public-sector-ratio-of-90th-10th-percentile-earners/south-africa/

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About this data

Indicator
Pay compression ratio in public sector (ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners)
Unit
ratio of 90th/10th percentile earners
Source
World Bank
Licence
CC BY 4.0 (World Bank Open Data)
Coverage
60 places, 741 data points, 2000–2021
Last refreshed