Petrol Attendant Salary in South Africa

Are you planning to enroll for the petrol attendant job but are unfamiliar with the salary structure? Petrol attendants share a major part in the services sector in South Africa, and according to estimates, there are more than 70,000 petrol attendants in the country. Now you can understand their role in the economy and the petroleum and energy of South Africa.

Occupation:Petrol Attendant
Monthly Salary Range:R 7850 – R 17000
Average Monthly Salary:R 10882
Description:The petrol attendants are responsible for refueling the vehicle at the fuel station, providing customer services, and ensuring the safety of the people.
Minimum Qualification:The candidate should have an 8th-grade certificate and be physically fit for the job.

People often claim that the petrol attendant’s earning is lower than that of a labor man in the firm. But according to the statistics, the average pay of a petrol attendant is higher than the lowest-earning jobs in the country. Let’s dig into more detail about how much these petrol attendants earn per month and see the responsibilities of an attendant at the petrol station.

Overview of Petrol Attendant Salary

TThe official minimum pay for petrol attendants in many stations is about R 7,850 per month when working standard hours. In stations located in urban or high‑traffic areas, attendants often earn between R 8,000 and R 10,700 monthly. With tips, overtime, and extra services, monthly income in some months can reach R 17,000 or more.

Salary Structure and Earnings Table

Level / SituationMonthly Income Estimate (ZAR)
Entry‑level / Minimum wage (standard hours)~ R 7,850
Average attendants (normal workload, mixed shifts)~ R 8,000 – R 10,700
Attendants with extra earnings (tips, overtime, extras)~ Up to R 17,000+

Note: Actual pay depends on station, location, number of working hours, tips from customers for extra services (like cleaning windshields, checking oil/tyres), and any overtime work.

Factors That Affect How Much You Earn

  • Location / Traffic Volume: Busy stations in cities tend to have more customers — increased refuels mean more tips and possibly more shifts.
  • Station / Employer: Large petrol‑station chains or stations with many services tend to pay better than small or rural ones.
  • Working Hours: Night shifts, weekends, or overtime can increase income compared to standard day shifts.
  • Additional Services & Tips: Offering extras like windshield cleaning, tyre/ fluid checks, or friendly service often leads to tips or small bonuses from customers.
  • Job Role / Responsibility: Some attendants may also serve as cashiers or do small convenience‑shop tasks; more duties can mean higher pay.
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Responsibilities of Petrol Attendant

  1. Refueling Vehicle: The first duty is to refill the tanks of the arriving vehicles or the motorbikes. A petrol attendant should perform this duty safely without causing accidents or catastrophes.
  2. Collecting Money: The second responsibility is to collect the money from customers after refilling their vehicles with fuel.
  3. Customer Services: The petrol attendant should also provide customer services by guiding the policy of the petrol station. He should focus on helpful, interactive, and professional communication between the worker and the customer.
  4. Maintaining Safety: The petrol attendant should not compromise the life of the customers, other colleagues, and himself by allowing danger. He should take proper measures in case a fire erupts at the station.

What to Expect if You Take This Job

Working as a petrol attendant offers a stable entry-level job with modest pay. However, it can become a more livable wage when you work regular shifts, take overtime, and rely on tips or extra services. The job demands flexibility, physical stamina, and customer‑service skills, but for many it’s a viable way to earn a living even without higher education.

FAQs

What are the requirements for a petrol attendant in South Africa?

There is no certain requirement, but one should have an 8th-grade certificate to qualify for the job.

Do you tip petrol attendants in South Africa?

Collecting tips is not part of their services, but usually, customers offer tips to the petrol attendants in South Africa. The average tip is between R20 to R35.

Petrol attendants play a crucial role in the industrial or the services sector in South Africa as there are more than 70,000 people working as petrol attendants. The jobs are tough, but their salaries do not match the efforts they put into their duties so we should acknowledge their struggles and focus on the increment in their salaries. Anyhow, the salaries, job description and the responsibilities of a petrol attendant are mentioned above.

Article Modified on December 8, 2025. The data in this article is written and collected by multiple authors. Learn how we research on About Us.