Australian Public Service Salary Scales
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
Australian Public Service (Federal)
| Classification | Range | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
APS 1 Entry level administrative and support roles | $57,497Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $60,946Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
APS 2 Administrative and technical support roles | $62,775Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $69,317Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
APS 3 Experienced administrative and technical roles | $72,397Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $76,820Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
APS 4 Senior administrative and technical roles | $79,731Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $86,246Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
APS 5 Team leader and specialist roles | $89,463Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $97,837Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
APS 6 Senior specialist and supervisory roles | $101,855Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $111,701Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Executive Level 1 (EL1) Middle management and senior specialist roles | $123,996Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $142,116Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Executive Level 2 (EL2) Senior management roles | $155,479Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $174,790Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Senior Executive Service 1 (SES1) Executive leadership roles | $188,842Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $226,735Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Senior Executive Service 2 (SES2) Senior executive leadership roles | $230,138Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $292,961Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ |
Notes
- ·Rates are effective 12 March 2026 under the APSC Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027.
- ·Individual APS agencies operate under their own enterprise agreements — actual salaries may differ.
- ·Superannuation is set at 15.4% (the APS employer contribution rate), additional to base salary.
- ·BDCP (Building Defence Capability Payment) applies to Defence agencies only (DSTG, ASD).
Salary Snapshot
APS salary bands, shown per year.
Entry salary
$57,497
APS 1
Top salary
$292,961
Senior Executive Service 2 (SES2)
Midpoint band
$106,778
APS 6
Classifications
10
Current pay structure
Classification range ladder
Min to max salary within the currently selected jurisdiction and stream
APS 1
Entry level administrative and support roles
APS 2
Administrative and technical support roles
APS 3
Experienced administrative and technical roles
APS 4
Senior administrative and technical roles
APS 5
Team leader and specialist roles
APS 6
Senior specialist and supervisory roles
Executive Level 1 (EL1)
Middle management and senior specialist roles
Executive Level 2 (EL2)
Senior management roles
Senior Executive Service 1 (SES1)
Executive leadership roles
Senior Executive Service 2 (SES2)
Senior executive leadership roles
Earning around $107,000?
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“The Australian Public Service (APS) employs over 150,000 people across the country.”
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 Level 1-2 • 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 Level 3-4 • 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 Level 5-6 • 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 Level 7 • 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 Level 8 • 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) | 12% (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 12%), 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.
APS Salary Guide by Classification
Quick reference for every Australian Public Service (Federal) classification and what it pays in 2025–2026. All figures are annual gross salary. Select any level to calculate your take-home pay after tax, Medicare, and super.
APS 1 Salary
The APS 1 classification (also written as APS1 or APS Level 1) pays $57,497–$60,946 per year. Entry level administrative and support roles. Calculate APS 1take-home pay →
APS 2 Salary
The APS 2 classification (also written as APS2 or APS Level 2) pays $62,775–$69,317 per year. Administrative and technical support roles. Calculate APS 2take-home pay →
APS 3 Salary
The APS 3 classification (also written as APS3 or APS Level 3) pays $72,397–$76,820 per year. Experienced administrative and technical roles. Calculate APS 3take-home pay →
APS 4 Salary
The APS 4 classification (also written as APS4 or APS Level 4) pays $79,731–$86,246 per year. Senior administrative and technical roles. Calculate APS 4take-home pay →
APS 5 Salary
The APS 5 classification (also written as APS5 or APS Level 5) pays $89,463–$97,837 per year. Team leader and specialist roles. Calculate APS 5take-home pay →
APS 6 Salary
The APS 6 classification (also written as APS6 or APS Level 6) pays $101,855–$111,701 per year. Senior specialist and supervisory roles. Calculate APS 6take-home pay →
EL1 Salary — Executive Level 1
The EL1 classification (also referred to as EL 1, APS EL1, or APS Executive Level 1) pays $123,996–$142,116 per year. Middle management and senior specialist roles. Calculate EL1take-home pay →
EL2 Salary — Executive Level 2
The EL2 classification (also referred to as EL 2, APS EL2, or APS Executive Level 2) pays $155,479–$174,790 per year. Senior management roles. Calculate EL2take-home pay →
SES1 Salary — Senior Executive Service Band 1
The SES1 classification (also written as SES 1 or APS SES Band 1) pays $188,842–$226,735 per year. Executive leadership roles. Calculate SES1take-home pay →
SES2 Salary — Senior Executive Service Band 2
The SES2 classification (also written as SES 2 or APS SES Band 2) pays $230,138–$292,961 per year. Senior executive leadership roles. Calculate SES2take-home pay →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APS 1 salary?
An APS 1 (also written as APS1 or APS Level 1) earns $57,497 to $60,946 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $48,000–$51,000 per year. This classification covers entry level administrative and support roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the APS 2 salary?
An APS 2 (also written as APS2 or APS Level 2) earns $62,775 to $69,317 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $52,000–$56,000 per year. This classification covers administrative and technical support roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the APS 3 salary?
An APS 3 (also written as APS3 or APS Level 3) earns $72,397 to $76,820 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $58,000–$61,000 per year. This classification covers experienced administrative and technical roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the APS 4 salary?
An APS 4 (also written as APS4 or APS Level 4) earns $79,731 to $86,246 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $63,000–$68,000 per year. This classification covers senior administrative and technical roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the APS 5 salary?
An APS 5 (also written as APS5 or APS Level 5) earns $89,463 to $97,837 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $70,000–$76,000 per year. This classification covers team leader and specialist roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the APS 6 salary?
An APS 6 (also written as APS6 or APS Level 6) earns $101,855 to $111,701 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $77,000–$84,000 per year. This classification covers senior specialist and supervisory roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the EL1 salary?
An EL1 (also referred to as EL 1, APS EL1, or APS Executive Level 1) earns $123,996 to $142,116 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $92,000–$104,000 per year. This classification covers middle management and senior specialist roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the EL2 salary?
An EL2 (also referred to as EL 2, APS EL2, or APS Executive Level 2) earns $155,479 to $174,790 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $112,000–$123,000 per year. This classification covers senior management roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the SES1 salary?
A SES1 (also written as SES 1 or APS SES Band 1) earns $188,842 to $226,735 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $131,000–$151,000 per year. This classification covers executive leadership roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the SES2 salary?
A SES2 (also written as SES 2 or APS SES Band 2) earns $230,138 to $292,961 per year as set by the Australian Public Service Commission Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $152,000–$185,000 per year. This classification covers senior executive leadership roles. APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What are the current APS salary scales for 2025–2026?
The current Australian Public Service (APS) salary scales are set under the APSC Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027. APS 1 starts at $57,497–$60,946, APS 2 at $62,775–$69,317, and APS 6 at $101,855–$111,701 (rates effective March 2026). Executive Level 1 (EL1) ranges from $123,996–$142,116 and Executive Level 2 (EL2) from $155,479–$174,790. All classifications receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
How does APS pay compare to state public service salaries?
APS salaries are broadly competitive with state equivalents at entry and mid levels, but state jurisdictions like Queensland and Western Australia can be higher at senior levels. The key APS advantage is the 15.4% superannuation rate — significantly above the standard 12% — which can add tens of thousands of dollars to your total remuneration package annually.
When is the next APS salary increase?
The next APS pay rise under the NAA Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027 is effective 12 March 2026, delivering a 3.4% increase across all APS classification levels (APS 1 through SES Band 2). Future increases through to 2027 will be announced as part of the ongoing enterprise agreement schedule.
How does a HECS/HELP debt affect APS take-home pay?
APS employees with a HECS/HELP debt have a compulsory repayment withheld via PAYG once income exceeds the threshold ($54,435 in 2025–26). At an APS 6 salary of ~$105,000, this adds approximately $5,500–$7,000 annually on top of income tax. Use the Tax Calculator on this site with the HECS toggle enabled to see your exact take-home pay.
Can APS employees salary sacrifice?
Yes. APS employees can salary sacrifice into superannuation (concessional contributions taxed at 15% rather than your marginal rate — a saving of up to 32% if you're on the 47% rate). Some agencies also offer novated vehicle leases. Check your agency's enterprise agreement and HR policies for the specific options available to you.
What leave entitlements do APS employees receive?
Under the NAA Enterprise Agreement, APS employees receive 20 days annual leave, 18 days personal/carer's leave per year, 3 days Christmas stand-down leave, and long service leave at approximately 3 months per 10 years of continuous service. These entitlements represent significant additional value beyond base salary.
How does APS pay compare to private sector IT and policy roles?
At APS 3–5 levels, private sector IT roles in Sydney and Melbourne typically pay 10–20% more in base salary, but APS offers 15.4% super (vs the statutory 12%), job security, and structured career progression. At APS 6–EL1 (~$100,000–$135,000), the gap narrows considerably once total remuneration is compared. Senior private sector roles above ~$150,000 tend to outpace APS EL2 rates.
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