Calculate your Sunday pay per hours worked in South Africa.
Working on a Sunday in South Africa entitles you to a higher rate of pay under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Our free Sunday Pay Calculator helps you quickly work out exactly what you should earn for hours worked on a Sunday – whether you’re an employee checking your payslip or an employer running payroll.
How Sunday Pay Works in South Africa
The BCEA sets two clear rules for Sunday work:
- If you don’t normally work Sundays: You must be paid double (2x) your normal hourly rate for every hour worked.
- If you ordinarily work Sundays: You must be paid 1.5x your normal hourly rate for every hour worked.
Alternatively, by agreement with your employer, you may take paid time off in lieu of payment.
How to Use the Sunday Pay Calculator
Simply enter:
- Your normal hourly rate (or monthly salary – the calculator will work it out)
- The number of hours worked on Sunday
- Whether you ordinarily work Sundays or not
Click Calculate to see your Sunday pay instantly.
Sunday Pay Formula
The calculation is straightforward:
Sunday Pay = Hourly Rate × Sunday Rate (1.5 or 2) × Hours Worked
Example: If you earn R80 per hour and work 6 hours on a Sunday (and don’t normally work Sundays): R80 × 2 × 6 = R960
If Sundays are part of your regular schedule: R80 × 1.5 × 6 = R720
Working Out Your Hourly Rate from a Monthly Salary
If you’re paid monthly, calculate your hourly rate as follows:
Hourly Rate = Monthly Salary ÷ 4.333 ÷ Hours Worked Per Week
For example, an employee earning R15,000 a month and working 45 hours a week has an hourly rate of approximately R77.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunday work compulsory in South Africa?
No. Sunday work must be agreed upon between employer and employee, except in essential services or where it forms part of your contract.
Does Sunday pay apply to all employees?
Employees earning above the BCEA earnings threshold (currently R261,748.45 per year) are excluded from these provisions, unless their contracts state otherwise.
What if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
You’re entitled to public holiday pay (typically double time), and if observed on the Monday, both days may count as public holiday work.
Can I take time off instead of Sunday pay?
Yes, by written agreement with your employer. The time off must equal the value of the Sunday pay you would have received.