Ever wondered how much petrol attendants earn?
Updated | By Stacey & J Sbu
Petrol attendants in South Africa earn a monthly salary but their earnings could go higher when tips are included.

A report by BusinessTech has revealed that petrol attendants in South Africa earn a minimum monthly salary of R7,850, according to the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) wage tables effective until August 2025.
However, their total earnings can increase significantly with tips. On average, petrol attendants receive R30 per tip, with at least 12 tips daily, potentially adding up to R360 per day or R10,800 per month. When combined with their basic salary, some petrol attendants could earn as much as R18,000 per month.
Breakdown of petrol attendant salaries
- Minimum Monthly Salary: R7,850
- Average Hourly Wage: R43.61
- Tips: R30 per tip, with at least 12 tips daily
- Potential Total Earnings: Up to R18,000 per month
Industry employment statistics
The fuel industry is a significant contributor to employment in South Africa, with approximately 140,000 people working at petrol stations across the country. Gauteng has the highest share of petrol station workers, accounting for roughly a third of petrol station jobs, followed by KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Tipping trends
While many South Africans don't tip petrol attendants, with 44% of respondents in a BusinessTech poll stating they don't tip, new technologies are changing this trend. Digital payment systems now allow motorists to tip attendants without needing cash, potentially increasing attendants' earnings.

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