Public Service Salary Scales
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
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
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.
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
Comparing Across Jurisdictions
While classification names differ between jurisdictions (APS in federal, VPS in Victoria, AO in Queensland), the underlying structure is similar. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000-$60,000, while senior executive roles can exceed $300,000.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do public service salaries increase?
Most public service employees receive annual salary increases through a combination of progression within their classification level and general wage increases negotiated through enterprise agreements. Recent agreements typically include 3-4% annual increases.
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.