Australian Public Service (Federal) Salary Scales 2025–2026
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
Australian Public Service (Federal)
| Classification | Minimum | Maximum | Calculate |
|---|---|---|---|
APS 1 Entry level administrative and support roles | $57,497 | $61,584 | Calculate |
APS 2 Administrative and technical support roles | $63,984 | $69,795 | Calculate |
APS 3 Experienced administrative and technical roles | $71,894 | $77,901 | Calculate |
APS 4 Senior administrative and technical roles | $80,108 | $86,321 | Calculate |
APS 5 Team leader and specialist roles | $88,834 | $96,829 | Calculate |
APS 6 Senior specialist and supervisory roles | $99,734 | $111,701 | Calculate |
Executive Level 1 (EL1) Middle management and senior specialist roles | $123,241 | $132,713 | Calculate |
Executive Level 2 (EL2) Senior management roles | $147,889 | $160,006 | Calculate |
Senior Executive Service 1 (SES1) Executive leadership roles | $188,842 | $226,735 | Calculate |
Senior Executive Service 2 (SES2) Senior executive leadership roles | $230,138 | $292,961 | Calculate |
Important Notes
- •Rates effective March 13, 2026 (3.4% increase from NAA Enterprise Agreement)
- •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
- •BDCP (Building Defence Capability Payment) applies to Defence agencies (DSTG, ASD) only — not general APS agencies
Salary Range by Classification
Each bar shows the min–max salary range for that classification. Select jurisdictions to compare side by side.
Updated Mar 2026
* Bars show gross salary range (min to max) for each classification. Values adjust with the timeframe selected in the salary table above.
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“The Australian Public Service (APS) employs over 150,000 people across the country.”
About Australian Public Service (Federal) Salary Scales
The Australian Public Service (Federal) uses a structured classification system with 10 classification levels to determine salary for public sector employees — from APS 1 ($57,497–$61,584) up to Senior Executive Service 2 (SES2) ($230,138–$292,961). Salaries are reviewed and updated through enterprise agreements and government determinations.
Superannuation: APS employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation. This is above the standard rate, reflecting Defence/federal agency agreements.
Salary Data Last Updated
4 March 2026 — Source: Australian Public Service Commission (NAA Agreement)
Key Information
- Rates effective March 13, 2026 (3.4% increase from NAA Enterprise Agreement)
- 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
- BDCP (Building Defence Capability Payment) applies to Defence agencies (DSTG, ASD) only — not general APS agencies
Compare with Other Jurisdictions
See how APS salaries compare with other Australian public service jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current APS salary scales for 2025–2026?
The current Australian Public Service (APS) salary scales are set under the NAA Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027. APS 1 starts at $54,516–$59,559, rising to $57,497–$61,584 from March 2026. APS 6 ranges from $99,734–$111,701. EL1 ranges from $123,241–$132,713 and EL2 from $147,889–$160,006. All APS salaries receive a 3.4% increase effective March 2026.
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.
What is the take-home pay for an APS 6 employee?
An APS 6 employee earning at the midpoint (~$105,000) receives approximately $79,000–$82,000 per year in take-home pay after income tax and Medicare levy. This excludes HECS/HELP repayments and salary sacrifice. Use the Tax Calculator on this site to calculate your exact take-home pay based on your specific salary and circumstances.
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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