“There Are Levels to This”: Skyscraper Window Cleaner Reveals His Pay to Office Workers, SA Debates

• A skyscraper window cleaner a group of stunned office workers with how much he earns on the job
• While cleaning high up, he was asked about his salary and wrote the number using his finger; the clip was shared on TikTok
• Social media users debated the amount, with some saying rope access jobs pay big bucks, while others doubted it

A skyscraper window cleaner sparked a salary debate and conversations about the risks of his job and the courses needed for it after sharing his salary.

A clip shared on TikTok by @amahlenyangiwe showed office staff members curious to know how much the man was earning for such a risky job.

The skyscraper window cleaner reveals his salary

While doing his job above the ground, the cleaner was asked by inquisitive office workers how much he earned. They wrote the question on a piece of paper and pressed it against the glass window he was busy cleaning. He answered by using his finger to write a number directly on the glass, leaving the staff members first thinking he earned R8,000 and later realising he was saying R80,000.

Some office workers leaned toward the higher amount, stunned, and others said he was lying. The clip ended with them eager to know what kind of training they needed for the job.

Skyscraper window cleaners' pay and qualifications

Skyscraper window cleaners in South Africa earn different salaries based on experience and location. According to Salary Expert, the average annual salary in Johannesburg is approximately R252,536, equating to about R121 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start around R197,451 per year, while more experienced workers can earn up to R301,100 annually.

In Durban, the average annual salary is slightly lower at R183,987, with hourly rates around R88. However, some high-rise window cleaners report earnings up to R80,000 per month, depending on the complexity and risk associated with their tasks.

To pursue a career in high-rise window cleaning, individuals typically need specialised training. Courses in rope access and working at heights are essential, with certifications from organisations like IRATA (International Rope Access Trade Association) being highly considered. Training providers such as Skyriders, Rope Workz, and ASC Work & Height offer accredited programs that equip workers with the necessary skills and safety knowledge. Employers often require proof of such certifications to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Mzansi debates about the salary

The clip soon flooded with comments from social media users who discussed the salary of a skyscraper window cleaner. Some said it made sense that rope access jobs need serious training and pay well due to the high risk.

One user said their uncle earns R3.5K an hour, backing up the high-earning idea. Not everyone was convinced, however. Some said R80,000 was exaggerated, wondering if the man was not saying R8000. Others took the moment as motivation and said they'd Google rope access courses.

User @Skhalu Ngwane said:

"He did a course called 'Rope Access.' It pays shem, worse if you work for big companies🥺🔥."

User @Thabo Lepota shared:

"He is not lying, my uncle was earning R3500 per hour doing rope access."

User @Andile added:

"Yeah, 80K is correct. I am an aeroplane washer, we earn 6K per bhanoyi (aircraft)."

User @melaningoddesse commented:

"He's not lying, take it from someone whose uncle owns a Pope Access Services company. These people earn well. There are levels to this, but R60 000 to R80 000+ after deductions is about right."

User @magwa 03 said:

"🤣No way! It's not even 15K that salary."

User @Pinkie Dlamini asked:

"🤔 80k a year?"

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News articles about salaries

• A Forever Living business owner shocked social media users by revealing her salary of R500,000 a month.
• A 33-year-old man had social media users abuzz after flexing his R100,000 total income, joining a viral TikTok salary trend where locals flex their earnings.
• A 28-year-old lady with one child joined a viral online challenge, revealing she was single and earning R4800, and Mzansi advised her to focus on getting a better-paying job.

Hilary Sekgota, human interest head of desk at Briefly News, contributed to this article.

Source: Briefly News