South Africa's most trusted method
We analyse each role, write clear job descriptions signed by both employee and manager, and grade every position using the Paterson Job Grading System from the bottom up — ensuring internal fairness across your entire organisation. The Paterson System is recognised by unions, government, and the CCMA, making your pay structure legally defensible.
current market data, your industry
We compare your salaries against current South African market data for similar roles in your industry and region. You'll know exactly where you're overpaying, underpaying, or positioned correctly — with a clear roadmap showing which salaries to adjust and when.
defensible, fair, and documented
The Employment Equity Amendment Act requires equal pay for work of equal value. Without a formal grading structure, equal pay claims are extremely difficult to defend. Our job evaluation process creates the documented rationale required to prove your pay decisions are based on objective job content — not favouritism or discrimination.
Clear job descriptions for every role
A fair job grading structure with documented rationales for every grade
Market salary ranges for each grade
A roadmap showing which salaries to adjust and when
Protection from equal pay claims and CCMA disputes
Better retention—staff stay when they're paid fairly
Businesses with no formal pay structure who set salaries based on gut feel or negotiation
Companies with staff complaining about unfair pay or favouritism
Growing businesses in Gauteng and across South Africa adding new roles and unsure what to pay
Employers preparing for Employment Equity audits needing to prove equal pay for equal work
Organizations with high staff turnover where people leave for better pay
Private schools needing fair salary structures for educators and support staff
Companies facing equal pay claims or CCMA remuneration disputes
Businesses preparing for mergers, acquisitions, or investor due diligence
Legal expertise built in — Our owner is an admitted attorney who understands South Africa's equal pay laws. Your grading system will be CCMA-proof .
We use the Paterson System — South Africa's most trusted job evaluation method, recognized by unions, government, and the CCMA .
We do the work, not just advise — We write job descriptions, chair grading committees, benchmark salaries, and help you implement changes .
We prevent job inflation — Employees sometimes exaggerate their roles to get higher grades. We identify inflated job descriptions and keep grading objective .
Market data you can trust — We use current South African salary data from reputable sources and can arrange specialist salary surveys for your industry .
equal pay for work of equal value.
The EEA Amendment Act requires employers to eliminate unjustifiable pay differentials between employees performing work of equal value. Without a formal job grading structure, you cannot demonstrate your pay decisions are defensible — leaving you exposed to CCMA equal pay disputes.
pay disputes and unfair labour practices.
Pay-related disputes — including equal pay claims and remuneration disputes — can be referred to the CCMA as unfair labour practices. A documented, objective job evaluation structure is your primary defence against such claims.
Questions we hear from business owners and HR managers about pay structures and job grading in South Africa.
OptiHR's service streamlined our compliance and boosted team morale.
Sarah JohnsonHR Director @ Tech Innovations SA
Exceptional expertise in labour law – saved us thousands in fines.
Michael BrownCEO @ Growth Corp
Book a free consultation and find out exactly where your business stands — no commitment, no pressure.