South Africa: Labor cost
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
The most recent value is 163.5 index points as of Q4 2025, an increase compared to the previous value of 160 index points. Historically, the average for South Africa from Q3 2015 to Q4 2025 is 129.64 index points. The minimum of 100.9 index points was recorded in Q3 2015, while the maximum of 163.5 index points was reached in Q4 2025.
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* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
- Measure: index points
- Source: South African Reserve Bank
| Recent values | South Africa: Labor cost index |
|---|---|
| 2025 Q4 | 163.5 |
| 2025 Q3 | 160 |
| 2025 Q2 | 159.2 |
| 2025 Q1 | 156.1 |
| 2024 Q4 | 154.5 |
| 2024 Q3 | 152.9 |
| 2024 Q2 | 150.2 |
| 2024 Q1 | 150.6 |
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Definition: The index reflects the level of the total compensation of employees in the economy. Labor costs are defined as core expenditure borne by employers for the purpose of employing staff. They include employee compensation, with wages and salaries in cash and in kind, employers' social security contributions and employment taxes regarded as labor costs minus any subsidies received.
| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 26.73 | 2025 | million people |
| Unemployment rate | 32.39 | 2025 | percent |
| Female unemployment | 34.00 | 2025 | percent |
| Male unemployment | 30.99 | 2025 | percent |
| Youth unemployment | 59.93 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force participation | 55.58 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force: percent female | 46.57 | 2025 | percent |
| Female labor force participation | 49.88 | 2025 | percent |
| Male labor force participation | 61.74 | 2025 | percent |
| Self-employment | 17.27 | 2025 | percent |
| Informal employment | 31.50 | 2020 | percent |
| Employment | 16.75 | Q1/2026 | million employed people |
| Unemployment rate | 32.70 | Q1/2026 | percent |
| Labor cost | 163.50 | Q4/2025 | index points |