Supported by positive economic developments, record-high commodity prices, a stronger rand, and low inflation, real salary increases are expected this year, according to an analysis by PayInc. The PayInc Net Salary Index, which tracks net salaries of approximately 2,15-million salary earners in South Africa, ended 2025 on a positive note with salaries tracking higher than a year ago. The upward trend in net salaries during 2024 continued into 2025, with the average nominal salary rising by 3,7%, compared to 4,6% in the previous year. Kruger is optimistic that 2026 will deliver another year of real salary growth. Given the positive developments in the economy, a repeat performance is likely in 2026,” ends Kruger.