Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Salary Scales
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)
| Classification | Range | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
ASD Level 1 Entry level intelligence and administrative support | $57,497Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $61,713Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Level 2 Intelligence and technical support roles | $62,775Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $69,945Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Level 3 Intelligence analyst and technical officer roles | $70,871Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $78,089Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Level 4 Senior analyst and specialist roles | $80,278Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $87,641Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Level 5 Principal analyst and cyber specialist roles | $88,834Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $96,829Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Level 6 Senior specialist and team leader roles | $99,734Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $111,701Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1) Section manager and principal specialist roles | $121,978Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $137,590Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2) Branch head and senior specialist roles | $141,624Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $169,993Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Executive Level 2.1 Senior branch head and program director roles | $169,994Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $202,303Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
ASD Executive Level 2.2 Division head and senior executive roles | $202,304Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $227,590Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Trainee ASD (Technical) Technical graduate and trainee roles | $59,360Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $66,748Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ |
Notes
- ·ASD uses its own classification levels (ASD Level 1–6 and EL1/EL2/EL2.1/EL2.2) — not standard APS levels
- ·Salary scales effective 1 September 2025 per ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination
- ·All ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation (Defence Super or PSSap)
- ·ASD Level 1–6 are broadly equivalent to APS 1–6 for comparison purposes
- ·ASD EL2.1 and EL2.2 extend beyond the standard APS EL2 band — these are ASD-specific senior levels
- ·Security clearance (Negative Vetting 1 or 2, Positive Vetting) and Australian citizenship are mandatory for all roles
Salary Snapshot
ASD salary bands, shown per year.
Entry salary
$57,497
ASD Level 1
Top salary
$66,748
Trainee ASD (Technical)
Midpoint band
$105,718
ASD Level 6
Classifications
11
Current pay structure
Classification range ladder
Min to max salary within the currently selected jurisdiction and stream
ASD Level 1
Entry level intelligence and administrative support
ASD Level 2
Intelligence and technical support roles
ASD Level 3
Intelligence analyst and technical officer roles
ASD Level 4
Senior analyst and specialist roles
ASD Level 5
Principal analyst and cyber specialist roles
ASD Level 6
Senior specialist and team leader roles
ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1)
Section manager and principal specialist roles
ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2)
Branch head and senior specialist roles
ASD Executive Level 2.1
Senior branch head and program director roles
ASD Executive Level 2.2
Division head and senior executive roles
Trainee ASD (Technical)
Technical graduate and trainee roles
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“The Australian Public Service (APS) employs over 150,000 people across the country.”
About Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Salary Scales
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) uses a structured classification system with 11 classification levels to determine salary for public sector employees — from ASD Level 1 ($57,497–$61,713) up to Trainee ASD (Technical) ($59,360–$66,748). Salaries are reviewed and updated through enterprise agreements and government determinations.
Superannuation: ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation. This is above the standard rate, reflecting Defence/federal agency agreements.
Salary Data Last Updated
1 September 2025 — Source: ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C)
Key Information
- ASD uses its own classification levels (ASD Level 1–6 and EL1/EL2/EL2.1/EL2.2) — not standard APS levels
- Salary scales effective 1 September 2025 per ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination
- All ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation (Defence Super or PSSap)
- ASD Level 1–6 are broadly equivalent to APS 1–6 for comparison purposes
- ASD EL2.1 and EL2.2 extend beyond the standard APS EL2 band — these are ASD-specific senior levels
- Security clearance (Negative Vetting 1 or 2, Positive Vetting) and Australian citizenship are mandatory for all roles
Compare with Other Jurisdictions
See how ASD salaries compare with other Australian public service jurisdictions:
ASD Salary Guide by Classification
Quick reference for every Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) 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.
ASD 1 Salary
The ASD 1 classification (also written as ASD1) pays $57,497–$61,713 per year. Entry level intelligence and administrative support. Calculate ASD 1take-home pay →
ASD 2 Salary
The ASD 2 classification (also written as ASD2) pays $62,775–$69,945 per year. Intelligence and technical support roles. Calculate ASD 2take-home pay →
ASD 3 Salary
The ASD 3 classification (also written as ASD3) pays $70,871–$78,089 per year. Intelligence analyst and technical officer roles. Calculate ASD 3take-home pay →
ASD 4 Salary
The ASD 4 classification (also written as ASD4) pays $80,278–$87,641 per year. Senior analyst and specialist roles. Calculate ASD 4take-home pay →
ASD 5 Salary
The ASD 5 classification (also written as ASD5) pays $88,834–$96,829 per year. Principal analyst and cyber specialist roles. Calculate ASD 5take-home pay →
ASD 6 Salary
The ASD 6 classification (also written as ASD6) pays $99,734–$111,701 per year. Senior specialist and team leader roles. Calculate ASD 6take-home pay →
ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1) Salary
The ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1) classification pays $121,978–$137,590 per year. Section manager and principal specialist roles. Calculate ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1)take-home pay →
ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2) Salary
The ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2) classification pays $141,624–$169,993 per year. Branch head and senior specialist roles. Calculate ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2)take-home pay →
ASD Executive Level 2.1 Salary
The ASD Executive Level 2.1 classification pays $169,994–$202,303 per year. Senior branch head and program director roles. Calculate ASD Executive Level 2.1take-home pay →
ASD Executive Level 2.2 Salary
The ASD Executive Level 2.2 classification pays $202,304–$227,590 per year. Division head and senior executive roles. Calculate ASD Executive Level 2.2take-home pay →
Trainee ASD (Technical) Salary
The Trainee ASD (Technical) classification pays $59,360–$66,748 per year. Technical graduate and trainee roles. Calculate Trainee ASD (Technical)take-home pay →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASD 1 salary?
An ASD 1 (also written as ASD1) earns $57,497 to $61,713 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $48,000–$51,000 per year. This classification covers entry level intelligence and administrative support. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD 2 salary?
An ASD 2 (also written as ASD2) earns $62,775 to $69,945 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $52,000–$57,000 per year. This classification covers intelligence and technical support roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD 3 salary?
An ASD 3 (also written as ASD3) earns $70,871 to $78,089 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $57,000–$62,000 per year. This classification covers intelligence analyst and technical officer roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD 4 salary?
An ASD 4 (also written as ASD4) earns $80,278 to $87,641 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $64,000–$69,000 per year. This classification covers senior analyst and specialist roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD 5 salary?
An ASD 5 (also written as ASD5) earns $88,834 to $96,829 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $70,000–$75,000 per year. This classification covers principal analyst and cyber specialist roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD 6 salary?
An ASD 6 (also written as ASD6) earns $99,734 to $111,701 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $77,000–$84,000 per year. This classification covers senior specialist and team leader roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1) salary?
An ASD Executive Level 1 (EL1) earns $121,978 to $137,590 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $91,000–$101,000 per year. This classification covers section manager and principal specialist roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2) salary?
An ASD Executive Level 2 (EL2) earns $141,624 to $169,993 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $103,000–$120,000 per year. This classification covers branch head and senior specialist roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD Executive Level 2.1 salary?
An ASD Executive Level 2.1 earns $169,994 to $202,303 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $120,000–$138,000 per year. This classification covers senior branch head and program director roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the ASD Executive Level 2.2 salary?
An ASD Executive Level 2.2 earns $202,304 to $227,590 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $138,000–$151,000 per year. This classification covers division head and senior executive roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the Trainee ASD (Technical) salary?
A Trainee ASD (Technical) earns $59,360 to $66,748 per year as set by the ASD Terms and Conditions of Employment Determination (Annex C). After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $50,000–$55,000 per year. This classification covers technical graduate and trainee roles. ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What salary does ASD pay?
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) uses its own classification levels — ASD Level 1 through Level 6, plus ASD EL1, EL2, EL2.1, and EL2.2. As of September 2025, salaries range from $57,497 (ASD Level 1) to $111,701 (ASD Level 6), with executive roles from $121,978 (ASD EL1) up to $227,590 (ASD EL2.2). All ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
How do ASD levels compare to APS levels?
ASD Level 1–6 are broadly equivalent to APS 1–6 for salary comparison purposes. ASD EL1 and EL2 correspond to the standard APS executive levels, while ASD EL2.1 ($169,994–$202,303) and EL2.2 ($202,304–$227,590) are ASD-specific senior levels that extend beyond the standard APS EL2 band, reflecting the specialist nature of signals intelligence and cyber roles.
What superannuation rate does ASD offer?
ASD employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation, contributed to PSSap or Defence Super. This is well above the standard 12% Superannuation Guarantee in the private sector. At an ASD Level 6 salary midpoint of ~$105,718, this represents approximately $16,281 in annual employer super contributions.
What security clearance is required to work at ASD?
Most ASD roles require at minimum a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance, with many technical and analytical positions requiring Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). The clearance process can take 6–18 months and involves a comprehensive background check, including financial history, personal associations, and overseas connections. Australian citizenship is mandatory for all ASD positions.
How does a HECS/HELP debt affect ASD take-home pay?
ASD employees with a HECS/HELP debt have compulsory repayments withheld via PAYG once income exceeds the threshold ($54,435 in 2025–26). At an ASD Level 6 salary of ~$105,718, HECS repayments add approximately $5,500–$7,000 annually on top of income tax. Use the Tax Calculator on this site with the HECS toggle enabled to calculate your exact take-home pay.
Can ASD employees salary sacrifice into superannuation?
Yes. ASD employees can make voluntary concessional contributions to PSSap on top of the 15.4% employer contribution. Salary sacrifice is most effective for employees in the 37% marginal tax bracket and above — typically ASD EL1 and above (income exceeding $135,000). Given ASD's 15.4% employer rate is already well above the standard 12%, additional contributions accelerate wealth building significantly. Consult the salary sacrifice calculator on this site or a financial adviser.
How does ASD pay compare to APS and DSTG?
ASD Level 1–6 salaries mirror APS 1–6 salary ranges, and ASD EL1/EL2 correspond directly to APS executive levels. ASD-specific levels EL2.1 ($169,994–$202,303) and EL2.2 ($202,304–$227,590) extend beyond the standard APS EL2 band, reflecting specialist cyber and signals intelligence expertise. DSTG S&T salaries are comparable but include BDCP allowances. Both ASD and DSTG offer the same 15.4% employer superannuation, significantly above the APS standard.
What is the career progression pathway at ASD?
ASD offers a structured career pathway from ASD Level 1 (entry-level analyst/technical roles) through Level 6 and into executive levels (EL1, EL2, EL2.1, EL2.2). Progression is merit-based and tied to the annual performance review cycle. Specialist technical staff can advance into the EL2.1–EL2.2 levels without moving into management, unlike many other APS agencies where senior progression requires people leadership. Security clearance upgrades are typically required for advancement beyond EL1.
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