Average Salary in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

1. Average wages

The average salary in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) varies significantly depending on the sector, region, and individual qualifications. With an economy primarily dependent on agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing, the income levels can be quite diverse. While exact figures can fluctuate annually, the average monthly salary is generally considered to be somewhat lower compared to more industrialized nations.

In Swaziland, incomes vary widely. On average, people earn around 55,220 SZL a year ($2974.64 USD), but this can range anywhere from a low of 11,880 SZL to a high of 239,300 SZL.

Workers in urban areas, such as the capital city Mbabane, tend to earn higher wages than those in rural settings, where agriculture and informal jobs predominate. Furthermore, individuals employed by international corporations or in specialized sectors such as finance or telecommunications often enjoy higher pay scales. The average salary in Eswatini is also affected by the level of education and experience, with those possessing advanced degrees or extensive professional experience typically commanding higher wages.

The average monthly salary in Eswatini’s public sector, which employs a significant portion of the workforce, is influenced by government-set wage policies and scales. In contrast, private sector salaries are more dynamic, driven by market demand and the profitability of businesses. For the majority of the working population, however, earnings are modest, reflecting the challenges of a developing economy where high unemployment rates and informal employment are common.

In summary, while there are opportunities for well-paid positions in certain industries and roles, the overall average salary in Eswatini reflects its status as a lower-middle-income country, with many workers earning only enough to meet their basic needs.

2. Factors that influence salaries

A variety of factors influence the salaries in Eswatini, just as in any other country. These can range from economic conditions to individual characteristics of employees. Understanding these factors is crucial for both employers and employees as they engage in negotiations and career planning. Below are some key factors that significantly impact salary levels in Eswatini:

• Economic Sector: The sector of employment is a major determinant of wages. For example, jobs in the financial services tend to pay more than those in agriculture or manufacturing due to the different economic value generated by these sectors and the varying levels of skill required.
• Education and Skills: Generally, individuals with higher education levels, specialized skills, and professional qualifications command higher salaries. This reflects the demand for skilled labor and the investment in education.
• Experience: Work experience is another critical factor, with more experienced workers typically earning more than their less experienced counterparts due to the value of their accumulated knowledge and capabilities.
• Geographic Location: Salaries can vary within the country depending on the location. Urban centers such as Mbabane and Manzini, being economic hubs, usually offer higher salaries compared to rural areas where job opportunities are fewer and cost of living is lower.
• Supply and Demand: The dynamics of labor supply and demand significantly influence wages. Occupations with a surplus of qualified candidates might see lower average wages, while jobs in high demand but with few qualified professionals can command higher salaries.
• Government Policy: Government wage policies and regulations can set benchmarks for salaries, especially in the public sector. The government may also implement minimum wage legislation that affects income levels across various sectors.
• Industry Profitability: The financial performance of an industry can affect wage levels. Profitable sectors have more resources to reward their employees compared to industries that are struggling economically.
• Company Size and Capital: Larger companies or multinational corporations often have the financial capacity to offer higher salaries than small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Unionization and Collective Bargaining: The presence and strength of labor unions can play a significant role in salary negotiations, potentially leading to better wages and benefits for workers.
• Gender and Demographics: Unfortunately, demographic factors such as gender can still influence salaries, with women often earning less than men for equivalent roles, reflecting broader societal issues and gender biases.
• Inflation and Cost of Living: Inflation rates and the cost of living can necessitate wage adjustments to maintain purchasing power. Employers may increase salaries to account for higher living costs, particularly in urban areas.

These factors do not operate independently; they often interact in complex ways to determine salary levels. As such, understanding the local context and the interplay between these variables is essential when analyzing salary-related data or negotiating wages in Eswatini.

3. Minimal wages (monthly and hourly)

Minimal wages in Eswatini are established by the government and vary by industry and sector. The minimum wage is designed to provide a living wage for employees and serves as a benchmark below which employers are not legally allowed to compensate workers.

In Eswatini, the minimum amount you can earn per month depends on your job. Unskilled workers earn at least SZL420, domestic workers at least SZL531, and skilled workers at least SZL600.

As of the latest available data, Eswatini has set different minimum wages for various sectors reflecting the economic diversity of the country. To illustrate:

• The agricultural sector has a lower minimum wage compared to industrial work due to the seasonal nature of the work and the lower cost of living in rural areas.
• Domestic workers, often employed in private households, have a specific minimum wage that considers both live-in and daily commuting scenarios.
• Workers in the textile industry have their minimum wage rates, which are influenced by international competition and export market demands.

While specific figures for these minimum wages fluctuate over time and with policy changes, they are typically reviewed on an annual or biennial basis to ensure they remain relevant to the cost of living and economic conditions. Additionally, the Government of Eswatini occasionally consults with stakeholders, such as employers, unions, and civil society groups, when considering adjustments to minimum wage levels.

To calculate the minimum wage on an hourly basis, the monthly minimum wage must be divided by the standard number of working hours per month. The standard full-time working hours are generally seen as 40 hours a week, so a monthly wage would be divided by approximately 173.33 hours (considering the average of 4.33 weeks per month) to find the hourly rate.

It is important to note that enforcement of minimum wage laws can be challenging, especially in the informal sector where compliance may be difficult to monitor. The government’s capacity to enforce labor laws impacts how widely these minimum wage standards are upheld across different regions and industries.

Overall, the minimum wage system in Eswatini aims to protect workers from exploitation and ensure a basic standard of living; however, the effectiveness of these measures is critically dependent on both enforcement mechanisms and economic factors within the country.

4. Gender wage gap

In Eswatini, as in many other countries around the world, the gender wage gap is a pressing issue that reflects broader social inequalities between men and women. The gender wage gap refers to the difference in earnings between men and women, often expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings. This discrepancy can be attributed to a variety of factors, including societal norms, gender discrimination, differences in industry and occupation, and disparities in work experience and educational attainment.

Although Eswatini has taken steps towards gender equality, with legislation aimed at providing equal employment opportunities, significant gender pay disparities persist. Women in Eswatini are more likely to be employed in lower-paying jobs and sectors such as domestic work or agriculture, which contributes to the overall wage gap. Moreover, cultural expectations often place the burden of unpaid family and household responsibilities on women, limiting their availability for full-time or higher-paying positions.

Additionally, women in Eswatini typically have less access to higher education and professional development, leading to lower representation in senior and specialized roles that command higher wages. The underrepresentation of women in these areas not only affects individual income levels but also has wider economic implications by limiting the diversity of skills and perspectives in the workforce.

• Women are less represented in high-paying sectors like finance and technology.
• There is a lack of female leadership in businesses and government, which perpetuates the wage imbalance.
• Societal norms often restrict women’s access to education and career advancement opportunities.
• The prevalence of part-time work among women, who may choose flexible hours to accommodate family care responsibilities, often results in lower overall earnings compared to full-time employees.

To address the gender wage gap, there have been calls for more transparent pay structures, greater support for women entering traditionally male-dominated fields, improved access to education and professional training for women, and policies that promote work-life balance for all genders, such as parental leave and flexible work arrangements.

Despite the challenges, progress is being made, and the gender wage gap in Eswatini is gradually narrowing as societal attitudes evolve and women gain greater access to education and employment opportunities. Continued focus on gender equality policies and practices will be crucial in achieving fair and equitable pay for all workers in the country.

5. Highest paying occupations

In Eswatini, as with most countries, certain professions and industries tend to offer higher salaries than others. These occupations often require specialized skills, higher education levels, or significant experience, and are critical to the country’s economic development. The following list highlights some of the highest paying occupations in Eswatini:

• Medical Professionals: Doctors, especially specialists, and surgeons command high salaries due to the extensive training required and the critical nature of their work.
• Pharmacists: With a vital role in the healthcare system, pharmacists are well-compensated for their expertise in medications and patient care.
• Legal Professionals: Qualified lawyers, particularly those specializing in corporate law, intellectual property, or international law, can earn significant incomes.
• Finance and Banking Executives: High-level positions in finance, such as bank managers, investment advisors, and financial analysts, are rewarded with lucrative salaries.
• Engineering Managers: Engineering disciplines such as civil, electrical, and mechanical, require expertise that is well-valued, especially when accompanied by project management responsibilities.
• IT Managers and Specialists: As technology becomes more integral to business operations, IT professionals, particularly those in cybersecurity, software development, and systems analysis, see high demand for their skills.
• Telecommunications Engineers: The expansion of digital communication networks places telecommunications engineers among the top earners.
• Business Development Managers: Those who drive company growth through strategic planning, market analysis, and client acquisition typically earn higher wages.
• Human Resources Managers: Skilled HR managers who can effectively recruit, train, and manage personnel are essential to any large organization’s success.
• Marketing and Sales Directors: Professionals who can increase a company’s market share and drive revenue growth often occupy high-paying roles.

These occupations represent some of the most competitively compensated in Eswatini’s job market. However, it’s important to note that salaries within these professions can vary widely based on factors such as the size and profitability of the employer, individual qualifications and experience, and the current demand for specific skill sets.

6. Annual average wage growth

In Eswatini, wage growth is an important economic indicator that reflects the changing dynamics of the country’s labor market and overall economic health. Annual average wage growth measures how the average salary for workers across various sectors increases over time. This growth can be influenced by a range of factors including inflation, economic development, productivity improvements, labor market conditions, and policy decisions.

Over recent years, Eswatini has experienced fluctuations in wage growth due to its economic conditions and external factors such as global market changes and regional economic trends. Industries that have performed well economically may offer higher annual wage increases as a result of growth and profitability. Conversely, sectors that face economic challenges may see stagnation or even a decline in wage growth.

Wage increases in the public sector are often determined by budgetary allocations and fiscal policies set by the government of Eswatini. These can be influenced by donor funding, economic reforms, and the need to maintain fiscal balance. Government employees may receive standardized wage increases in line with policy changes or as part of collective bargaining agreements.

• Nominal wage growth: This represents the raw increase in wages without accounting for inflation. In Eswatini, nominal wage increases may not necessarily translate into actual purchasing power gains for workers if inflation is high.
• Real wage growth: This is the increase in wages adjusted for the rate of inflation. Real wage growth provides a more accurate picture of whether employees are actually earning more in terms of the value of goods and services they can buy.
• Sector-specific growth rates: Different sectors may experience varying wage growth rates depending on market performance, with some industries outpacing others based on demand for goods and services, technological advancements, and changes in consumer preferences.

It is also worth noting that wage growth can be unevenly distributed across different groups of workers, with disparities based on factors such as occupation, education level, geographic location, and gender. For instance, workers in urban areas or in skilled professions may experience faster wage growth compared to those in rural settings or in less-skilled occupations.

The annual average wage growth in Eswatini is closely monitored by policymakers, businesses, and workers as it impacts consumer spending, saving behaviors, and overall living standards. The government and private sector stakeholders aim to foster an environment that promotes sustainable wage growth, which can contribute to reducing poverty levels and improving the quality of life for the Swazi population.

7. Compensation costs (per hours worked)

Compensation costs in Eswatini encompass not only direct pay such as wages and salaries, but also indirect costs like employer contributions to health insurance, pension funds, and other benefits. These costs per hour worked give insight into the overall expenses incurred by employers for their employees. In developing nations like Eswatini, such metrics are crucial for comparing labor costs with other countries and understanding the competitiveness of the labor market.

In Eswatini’s case, these compensation costs must be considered within the context of the local cost of living and economic environment. Due to limited available data on comprehensive compensation costs specific to Eswatini, it is often challenging to paint a detailed picture. However, some general observations can be made:

• The private sector typically offers a range of benefits that can include medical aid, housing allowances, and retirement benefits, depending on the employer and the level of the position.
• In contrast, employers in the public sector often provide more standardized benefits as dictated by government policy, which can include pension contributions and various allowances.
• Compensation costs are also affected by mandatory employer contributions to national programs such as social security and unemployment funds.
• Trade unions and collective agreements can play a role in determining overall compensation costs, through negotiations that set industry-specific wages or by securing enhanced benefits for employees.
• Indirect costs such as training, employee development programs, and performance-based incentives are essential in attracting and retaining skilled workers, which also contribute to higher compensation costs for employers.

Understanding these expenses is vital for both local and foreign investors. Companies must balance competitive compensation to attract skilled workers against the need to control operational costs and maintain profitability. For policymakers, managing compensation costs involves creating policies that ensure fair wages for workers while keeping the labor market attractive to investment.

Ultimately, the ability of Eswatini to effectively manage and report on compensation costs per hour worked will impact its standing as a competitive actor in the regional and global economic landscape. This necessitates ongoing research and development of more refined compensation analysis to guide economic strategies and workforce management.

8. Comparison with other countries

The average salary in Eswatini can be compared to those of neighboring countries as well as other nations with similar economic profiles to gain a better understanding of its competitive position in terms of labor costs and standard of living. Several factors impact these comparisons, including local living costs, currency valuation, economic development, industry diversity, and government policy.

When comparing Eswatini to its immediate neighbors in Southern Africa, it is important to consider the regional economic leaders such as South Africa and more similarly sized economies like those of Botswana and Lesotho. It’s also insightful to compare Eswatini with countries outside of Africa that have comparable GDPs and economic structures, like certain nations in Southeast Asia or Central America.

To illustrate the comparisons, here is a table reflecting approximate average monthly salaries in US dollars:

Country	Average Monthly Salary (USD)
Eswatini	300-400
South Africa	1000-1200
Botswana	600-800
Lesotho	200-300
Vietnam	150-300
Nicaragua	150-200

This comparison indicates that while Eswatini’s average salary may be higher than that of Lesotho and similar to some nations further afield, it is significantly lower than the regional power, South Africa, and even Botswana. These distinctions may be due to a variety of factors including but not limited to industrialization levels, economic diversification, and labor market regulations.

However, it’s crucial to note that nominal salary figures don’t always tell the full story. A more comprehensive comparison would consider purchasing power parity (PPP), which adjusts incomes based on the relative cost of living and inflation rates. The disparities in healthcare, education, social services, and infrastructure between countries are also significant factors that can affect the quality of life associated with these salaries.

Ultimately, salary comparisons among different countries should be made with an understanding of the broader economic context. Such comparisons are useful for policymakers to assess Eswatini’s competitive advantage or disadvantage in attracting foreign investment, for workers considering migration for better opportunities, and for businesses planning to expand into new markets.