Discover which SETA pays most in South Africa. Explore salary comparisons, benefits, career growth and find out highest-paying opportunities
If you’re searching for which SETA pays most in South Africa, you’re not alone. Many job seekers, graduates, and professionals looking to transition into the public or training sector are curious about salaries across SETAs.
SETAs – short for Sector Education and Training Authorities – are key institutions in South Africa’s skills development system. They not only run learnerships and training programs but also provide thousands of jobs for administrators, specialists, managers, and executives.
The big question remains: Which SETA pays the most, and what can you expect at different career levels?
This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know, from salary structures to career progression, benefits, and even challenges. We’ll break down the top-paying SETAs and show you how to boost your earning potential if you’re planning a career in this space.
What Exactly Are SETAs?
Before diving into the salary numbers, let’s pause to understand what SETAs do.
SETAs were established under the Skills Development Act of 1998. Their mission is simple but critical:
- Improve workforce skills in their specific sector
- Fund and oversee training programs
- Ensure qualifications meet both industry and educational standards
- Support unemployed South Africans through learnerships, bursaries, and internships
There are currently 21 SETAs, each dedicated to a sector: banking, ICT, construction, health, agriculture, manufacturing, and more.
Each SETA is semi-public, meaning they’re not private companies but also not directly government departments. This makes them unique: public accountability + private sector influence.
And yes, that translates into competitive salaries for the right professionals.
Why People Ask: Which SETA Pays Most?
In South Africa, where unemployment and skills gaps remain high, many people see SETAs as attractive employers because they offer:
- Stable income funded by the skills development levy
- Government-backed benefits like pensions and medical aid
- Professional development opportunities through training programs
But salaries are not uniform. Depending on the SETA, you could be earning R200,000 a year as a junior… or more than R2.5 million if you climb to the top.
This is why so many people search which SETA pays most – because the difference between the highest-paying and lowest-paying SETAs can be dramatic.
How SETA Salaries Are Determined
To understand which SETA pays the most, you need to know what influences SETA pay scales.
1. The Sector Itself
Some industries bring in higher levy contributions (e.g., banking, ICT, chemicals). These SETAs often have more funds to spend on salaries.
2. Role Level
From entry-level admin assistants to CEOs, salaries vary drastically.
- Entry-level: R170,000 – R250,000 per year
- Mid-level: R350,000 – R700,000 per year
- Senior managers: R800,000 – R1.3 million
- Executives/CEOs: R1.5m – R2.5m+
3. Experience and Qualifications
Advanced degrees or in-demand skills (finance, ICT, project management) mean higher pay.
4. Location
Johannesburg and Pretoria offices may offer slightly higher pay due to cost of living.
Which SETA Pays Most in 2025?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: which SETA pays most right now.
Based on financial reports, salary disclosures, and comparisons, the top-paying SETAs are:
BANKSETA – The Leader in High Pay
BANKSETA (Banking Sector Education and Training Authority) consistently ranks at the top.
- Why it pays the most: The banking sector contributes billions in levies. With South Africa’s big four banks leading the economy, BANKSETA has a strong financial base.
- Salaries:
- Entry-level: R180k – R250k
- Mid-level: R400k – R650k
- Senior: R900k – R1.3m
- Executives: R2m+
👉 If you’re asking which SETA pays most, BANKSETA is usually the answer.
MICT SETA – Tech Skills, Big Rewards
The MICT SETA (Media, Information and Communication Technologies) covers IT, telecoms, and digital skills – all high-demand fields.
- Salaries:
- Entry: R200k – R280k
- Mid: R450k – R700k
- Senior: R800k – R1.2m
- Executives: R1.8m – R2.5m
👉 As digital transformation grows, MICT SETA offers excellent earning potential.
HWSETA – Health and Welfare
Healthcare is vital, and the Health and Welfare SETA manages large budgets for nursing, caregiving, and welfare programs.
- Salaries:
- Entry: R190k – R260k
- Mid: R420k – R650k
- Senior: R850k – R1.2m
- Executives: R1.5m – R2.3m
👉 Stable and well-paying, especially for healthcare professionals.
CETA – Building Strong Salaries
The Construction Education and Training Authority pays well due to the massive construction industry.
- Salaries:
- Entry: R180k – R240k
- Mid: R400k – R600k
- Senior: R850k – R1.1m
- Executives: ~R2m
👉 Great for engineers, project managers, and finance experts.
Services SETA – Broad and Competitive
Covering the broad services sector, Services SETA handles industries from call centers to consulting.
- Salaries:
- Entry: R170k – R230k
- Mid: R380k – R550k
- Senior: R750k – R1m
- Executives: R1.5m – R2.1m
👉 A wide range of opportunities with competitive salaries.
Salary Comparison Table
| SETA | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior Staff | Executives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BANKSETA | R180k–R250k | R400k–R650k | R900k–R1.3m | R2m+ |
| MICT SETA | R200k–R280k | R450k–R700k | R800k–R1.2m | R1.8m–R2.5m |
| HWSETA | R190k–R260k | R420k–R650k | R850k–R1.2m | R1.5m–R2.3m |
| CETA | R180k–R240k | R400k–R600k | R850k–R1.1m | ~R2m |
| Services SETA | R170k–R230k | R380k–R550k | R750k–R1m | R1.5m–R2.1m |
👉 Clearly, BANKSETA and MICT SETA are at the top when discussing which SETA pays most.
Other Well-Paying SETAs
Some other SETAs worth mentioning:
- CHIETA (Chemical Industries SETA): Good salaries in the chemical/pharmaceutical sector.
- MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services): Large and diverse, competitive pay.
- FP&M SETA (Fibre Processing & Manufacturing): Strong salaries for technical roles.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Money isn’t everything. Working for a SETA comes with benefits such as:
- Medical aid and pension funds
- Career development opportunities (training, certifications)
- Job stability compared to private firms
- Work-life balance with reasonable hours
- Networking with government and industry leaders
Skills That Boost SETA Salaries
Want to climb the salary ladder faster? Focus on:
- Financial management
- Project management (PMP/Prince2)
- ICT and digital transformation skills
- Policy and research expertise
- HR and labour law knowledge
These skills align with SETAs’ operational needs and are rewarded with higher pay.
Career Growth in SETAs
Typical career path:
- Intern/Admin Assistant
- Officer/Specialist
- Manager
- Senior Manager
- Executive/CEO
Each step comes with significant pay increases.
Challenges of Working in SETAs
It’s not all smooth sailing. Common challenges include:
- Bureaucracy and slow processes
- Intense oversight from DHET and Auditor-General
- Job competition (many applicants per post)
- Economic impact on budgets
Still, for many, the benefits outweigh the downsides.
FAQs About Which SETA Pays Most
Q1: Which SETA pays most overall?
👉 BANKSETA, followed closely by MICT SETA.
Q2: Do all SETAs pay the same salaries?
👉 No, salaries vary based on sector size, levy income, and role.
Q3: Can juniors earn well in SETAs?
👉 Entry-level pay is modest (R170k–R250k) but grows quickly with promotions.
Q4: Are SETA salaries better than private sector?
👉 For some industries (like ICT), private may pay more, but SETAs offer better stability and benefits.
Q5: Which qualifications help me earn more in SETAs?
👉 Finance, project management, ICT, and HR are highly rewarded.
Conclusion: Which SETA Pays Most in South Africa?
If you’ve been wondering which SETA pays most, the answer is clear:
- BANKSETA and MICT SETA lead in salaries, especially at senior and executive levels.
- HWSETA, CETA, and Services SETA also offer competitive pay and stable careers.
- Your ultimate earning potential depends on your skills, qualifications, and career path.
Working for a SETA offers not just a salary but also security, benefits, and personal growth. If you’re aiming for the top, focus on in-demand skills and long-term career planning.
👉 So, the next time someone asks you “which SETA pays most?”, you’ll know exactly where to look.