Public Service Salary Scales
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
Important Information
Salary information is indicative and based on publicly available data. Actual salaries may vary by agency, enterprise agreement, and individual circumstances. Always verify with the relevant government department or HR team for accurate, up-to-date information specific to your role.
Australian Public Service (Federal)
After tax (excludes HECS/HELP, student loans, and other deductions)
| Classification | Current (As of Nov 2025) | From 12 March 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | Min | Max | |
APS 1 Entry level administrative and support roles | $54,516 | $59,559 | $57,497 | $61,584 |
APS 2 Administrative and technical support roles | $61,880 | $67,500 | $63,984 | $69,795 |
APS 3 Experienced administrative and technical roles | $69,530 | $75,339 | $71,894 | $77,901 |
APS 4 Senior administrative and technical roles | $77,474 | $83,483 | $80,108 | $86,321 |
APS 5 Team leader and specialist roles | $85,418 | $91,809 | $88,834 | $96,829 |
APS 6 Senior specialist and supervisory roles | $96,344 | $106,899 | $99,734 | $111,701 |
Executive Level 1 (EL1) Middle management and senior specialist roles | $119,189 | $128,279 | $123,241 | $132,713 |
Executive Level 2 (EL2) Senior management roles | $143,026 | $154,745 | $147,889 | $160,006 |
Senior Executive Service 1 (SES1) Executive leadership roles | $188,842 | $226,735 | $37,893 | |
Senior Executive Service 2 (SES2) Senior executive leadership roles | $230,138 | $292,961 | $62,823 | |
Important Notes
- •Current 2025 rates (effective March 13, 2025) reflect 3.8% increase
- •Projected 2026 rates (effective March 12, 2026) reflect 3.4% increase
- •Total 11.2% increase over three years (2024-2026)
- •Based on NAA Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027
- •Actual salaries vary by agency Enterprise Agreement
- •Superannuation (15.4%) is additional to base salary
"The Australian Public Service (APS) employs over 150,000 people across the country."
Visual Analysis & Comparison
Compare salary scales and progression paths across jurisdictions
Jurisdiction Salary Comparison
Compare average salaries at equivalent seniority levels across jurisdictions (gross salary)
How the comparison works: Each level compares equivalent seniority across jurisdictions. For example, Level 1 compares APS 1 vs NSW Clerk Grade 1/2 vs VIC VPS Grade 1. Hover over the bars to see the actual classification names for each jurisdiction.
Career Progression Path
Visualize salary growth across career levels (gross salary)
How progression works: This chart shows salary growth from entry-level (Level 1) to senior management (Level 8). Hover over the points to see the specific classification for each jurisdiction at that level.
* Progression path shows typical career advancement from entry-level to senior positions
* Values shown are averages of minimum and maximum salaries for each level
Understanding Public Service Salary Scales
Public service salary scales in Australia are structured systems that determine pay rates for government employees across federal and state jurisdictions. Each classification level represents different responsibilities, experience requirements, and skill levels.
How to Read Salary Scales
- Classification Levels: Each level (e.g., APS 1-6, VPS Grade 1-7) represents a different role complexity and responsibility
- Salary Range: Minimum to maximum pay within each classification, allowing for progression based on experience and performance
- Progression: Most employees progress through pay points within their classification annually
- Enterprise Agreements: Specific agencies may have different rates based on their certified agreements
Interactive Visual Analysis
Our Jurisdiction Comparison Chart allows you to visually compare salary bands across different states and territories. While classification names differ (e.g., APS in Federal, VPS in Victoria, AO in Queensland), our tool aligns them by equivalent seniority levels to provide a meaningful comparison.
Career Progression & Growth
The Career Progression Path chart visualizes the potential salary growth from entry-level positions to senior management. This helps you understand the long-term earning potential within the public service and how it varies by jurisdiction.
Detailed Career Path Guide (APS1 to EL2)
APS 1-2Entry Level & Trainees
Focus on learning core procedures, basic administrative tasks, and service delivery. Often includes cadetships and graduate entry points.
State Equivalents:
NSW Clerk 1/2 • VIC VPS 1-2 • QLD AO2 • WA L1 • SA ASO1
APS 3-4Operational & Support
Roles involving greater autonomy, customer service, processing complex tasks, and providing administrative support to teams.
State Equivalents:
NSW Clerk 3/4 • VIC VPS 2-3 • QLD AO3-4 • WA L2-3 • SA ASO2-3
APS 5-6Senior Operational & Policy
Senior officers and team leaders. Responsibilities include managing small teams, complex case management, policy advice, and project support. This is often the "working level" for many technical specialists.
State Equivalents:
NSW Clerk 5/6 • VIC VPS 4 • QLD AO5-6 • WA L4-5 • SA ASO4-5
EL 1Assistant Director
Middle management level. Involves leading larger teams, strategic planning, high-level policy development, and managing program outcomes.
State Equivalents:
NSW Clerk 7/8-9/10 • VIC VPS 5 • QLD AO7 • WA L6-7 • SA ASO6-7
EL 2Director
Senior leadership roles. Accountable for section performance, significant budgetary responsibility, strategic direction, and high-level stakeholder management.
State Equivalents:
NSW Clerk 11/12 • VIC VPS 6 • QLD AO8 • WA L8 • SA ASO8
Public vs Private Sector Comparison
| Feature | Public Service (APS) | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | Structured bands, steady growth | Often higher, performance-based |
| Superannuation | 15.4% (Standard APS) | 11.5% (Statutory Minimum) |
| Job Security | High, permanent tenure common | Variable, market-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Flex-time, generous leave | Variable, often longer hours |
| Progression | Merit-based, structured levels | Can be faster, negotiation-based |
Additional Benefits
Beyond base salary, public service employees typically receive superannuation (currently 11.5%), leave entitlements, professional development opportunities, and various allowances depending on their role and location. Use the Take-Home Pay toggle to see estimated net income after tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do public service salaries increase?
Most public service employees receive annual salary increases through enterprise agreements. For example, the latest NAA Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 outlines scheduled increases over the next few years. Our tables show both current rates and future increases (e.g., March 2026) where available.
Are these salaries the same across all government departments?
While these represent standard rates, specific departments and agencies may have their own enterprise agreements that provide different salary levels. Specialized roles (e.g., health professionals, teachers) often have separate classification structures.
What's the difference between APS and SES classifications?
APS (Australian Public Service) classifications cover entry to senior specialist roles (APS 1-6, EL 1-2), while SES (Senior Executive Service) classifications are for executive leadership positions with significantly higher salaries and responsibilities.
How do I know which classification level I should be at?
Classification levels are determined by the role's responsibilities, required qualifications, and complexity. Job advertisements will specify the classification level. Your HR department can provide guidance on appropriate classifications for your skills and experience.