Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)
Classification bands
6 levels · single stream
Notes
- ·DSTG uses Science & Technology (S&T) classification levels under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024
- ·S&T levels are distinct from APS levels — approximate APS equivalents are shown for reference only
- ·All DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation (Defence Super or PSSap)
- ·BDCP (Building Defence Capability Payment) is a non-consolidated performance payment — paid as lump sum, does not affect base salary
- ·S&T Level 6 = Discipline Lead, Level 7 = Group Lead, Level 8 = Branch Lead;
- ·Chief Defence Scientist is equivalent to three-star rank
- ·Verify current rates with DST Group HR for your specific agreement
Salaries are indicative and based on publicly available data. Verify with your agency HR for accurate, role-specific information.
Salary Snapshot
DSTG salary bands, shown per year.
Entry salary
$63,449
S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent)
Top salary
$227,491
S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top)
Midpoint band
$158,895
S&T Level 6 (Executive Level 2 equivalent)
Classifications
6
Current pay structure
Classification range chart
Min to max salary within the currently selected jurisdiction and stream
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Earning around $159,000?
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About DSTG Pay Scales & S&T Classifications
The Defence Science and Technology Group pays scientists and engineers on Science & Technology (S&T) classification levels under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement; the structure runs from S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent) ($63,449–$89,377) up to S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top) ($207,935–$227,491) across 6 levels; take-home figures account for income tax, Medicare and the elevated Defence employer super.
How DSTG pay rises work
DSTG salaries move under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement when a new salary schedule is registered.
Classification levels & progression
Each S&T level spans several pay points; you advance by increment within a level and by promotion between levels.
- S&T Levels map to APS and Executive Level equivalents for reference.
- S&T Level 6 is Discipline Lead, Level 7 is Group Lead, and Level 8 is Branch Lead.
- Progression is by increment within a level and by promotion.
Superannuation & allowances
DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation — above the standard Superannuation Guarantee rate.
- Eligible technical staff can attract the Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP) as a non-consolidated payment on top of base salary.
Total remuneration
Base salary plus 15.4% super, with any BDCP or agency-specific allowances on top.
Key Information
DSTG salary facts, agreement context and conditions to check before comparing pay.
Classification note
DSTG uses Science & Technology (S&T) classification levels under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024
Classification note
S&T levels are distinct from APS levels — approximate APS equivalents are shown for reference only
Employer super
All DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation (Defence Super or PSSap)
Allowance context
BDCP (Building Defence Capability Payment) is a non-consolidated performance payment — paid as lump sum, does not affect base salary
Classification note
S&T Level 6 = Discipline Lead, Level 7 = Group Lead, Level 8 = Branch Lead;
Classification note
Chief Defence Scientist is equivalent to three-star rank
Effective date
Verify current rates with DST Group HR for your specific agreement
Compare Pay Scales
Compare public service salary scales across federal, state and territory jurisdictions.
DSTG Salary Guide by Classification
Quick reference for every Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) classification and what it pays in 2026–2027— gross salary plus the estimated take-home pay, employer super, and total package the salary table doesn't show. Select any level to calculate your exact take-home pay after tax, Medicare, and super.
S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent) Salary
A S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent) earns $63,449–$89,377 gross — roughly $53,000–$70,000 take-home after income tax and Medicare, plus 15.4% employer super (~$73,000–$103,000 total package). Technical officer and scientific assistant roles.
Calculate S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent) take-home pay →S&T Level 3–4 (APS 4/5–6 equivalent) Salary
A S&T Level 3–4 (APS 4/5–6 equivalent) earns $81,868–$112,431 gross — roughly $65,000–$85,000 take-home after income tax and Medicare, plus 15.4% employer super (~$94,000–$130,000 total package). Research officer, senior scientist and team leader roles.
Calculate S&T Level 3–4 (APS 4/5–6 equivalent) take-home pay →S&T Level 5 (Executive Level 1 equivalent) Salary
A S&T Level 5 (Executive Level 1 equivalent) earns $124,393–$140,315 gross — roughly $93,000–$103,000 take-home after income tax and Medicare, plus 15.4% employer super (~$144,000–$162,000 total package). Principal researcher — senior independent research and technical leadership roles.
Calculate S&T Level 5 (Executive Level 1 equivalent) take-home pay →S&T Level 6 (Executive Level 2 equivalent) Salary
A S&T Level 6 (Executive Level 2 equivalent) earns $144,430–$173,359 gross — roughly $105,000–$122,000 take-home after income tax and Medicare, plus 15.4% employer super (~$167,000–$200,000 total package). Discipline Lead — leads a scientific or engineering discipline.
Calculate S&T Level 6 (Executive Level 2 equivalent) take-home pay →S&T Level 7 (Executive Level 2 senior) Salary
A S&T Level 7 (Executive Level 2 senior) earns $173,825–$195,616 gross — roughly $122,000–$135,000 take-home after income tax and Medicare, plus 15.4% employer super (~$201,000–$226,000 total package). Group Lead — leads a research group of multiple disciplines.
Calculate S&T Level 7 (Executive Level 2 senior) take-home pay →S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top) Salary
A S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top) earns $207,935–$227,491 gross — roughly $141,000–$151,000 take-home after income tax and Medicare, plus 15.4% employer super (~$240,000–$263,000 total package). Branch Lead — leads a branch; Chiefs of Division are equivalent to one-star rank.
Calculate S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top) take-home pay →Take-home and total package figures are estimates. Take-home excludes HECS/HELP, the Medicare Levy Surcharge, and salary sacrifice, and assumes a resident taxpayer claiming the tax-free threshold. Total package adds employer super to gross salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent) salary?
A S&T Level 1–2 (APS 2–3/4 equivalent) earns $63,449 to $89,377 per year as set by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $53,000–$70,000 per year. This classification covers technical officer and scientific assistant roles. DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the S&T Level 3–4 (APS 4/5–6 equivalent) salary?
A S&T Level 3–4 (APS 4/5–6 equivalent) earns $81,868 to $112,431 per year as set by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $65,000–$85,000 per year. This classification covers research officer, senior scientist and team leader roles. DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the S&T Level 5 (Executive Level 1 equivalent) salary?
A S&T Level 5 (Executive Level 1 equivalent) earns $124,393 to $140,315 per year as set by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $93,000–$103,000 per year. This classification covers principal researcher — senior independent research and technical leadership roles. DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the S&T Level 6 (Executive Level 2 equivalent) salary?
A S&T Level 6 (Executive Level 2 equivalent) earns $144,430 to $173,359 per year as set by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $105,000–$122,000 per year. This classification covers discipline lead — leads a scientific or engineering discipline. DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the S&T Level 7 (Executive Level 2 senior) salary?
A S&T Level 7 (Executive Level 2 senior) earns $173,825 to $195,616 per year as set by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $122,000–$135,000 per year. This classification covers group lead — leads a research group of multiple disciplines. DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top) salary?
A S&T Level 8 (Executive Level 2 top) earns $207,935 to $227,491 per year as set by the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $141,000–$151,000 per year. This classification covers branch lead — leads a branch; chiefs of division are equivalent to one-star rank. DSTG employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is the DSTG pay scale?
The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) uses its own Science & Technology (S&T) classification levels under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024 — not standard APS levels. Across the S&T levels, salaries span $63,449–$227,491, broadly mapping to APS through to Executive Level 2 equivalents. See the salary table above for the current range at each S&T level. All DSTG salaries attract 15.4% employer superannuation.
What is BDCP and how much do DSTG employees receive?
BDCP (Building Defence Capability Payment) is a non-consolidated performance allowance available to eligible DSTG employees across the S&T classifications. The amount scales with classification and sustained high performance — from a smaller payment at junior S&T levels up to a substantial lump sum at senior levels. BDCP is paid as a lump sum and does not increase base salary, but can materially boost total annual income.
How do DSTG S&T levels compare to APS levels?
DSTG S&T levels are distinct from standard APS levels but have approximate equivalents: S&T Level 1–2 ≈ APS 2–4, S&T Level 3–4 ≈ APS 4–6, S&T Level 5 ≈ Executive Level 1, S&T Level 6–8 ≈ Executive Level 2. S&T salaries at equivalent levels are broadly comparable to APS, but DSTG also offers BDCP allowances and 15.4% employer super that lift total remuneration above the standard APS package.
What superannuation rate does DSTG offer?
DSTG (Defence Science and Technology Group) employees receive 15.4% employer superannuation, contributed to Defence Super or PSSap (Public Sector Superannuation accumulation plan). This is above the standard 12% Superannuation Guarantee that applies in the private sector, adding thousands of dollars in employer contributions each year on top of base salary.
Does the BDCP allowance count towards DSTG superannuation?
No. The Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP) is a non-consolidated allowance and is not included in ordinary time earnings for superannuation purposes. Your 15.4% employer super is calculated on your base S&T classification salary only, not the BDCP lump sum. BDCP is, however, assessable income for income tax and HECS/HELP repayment purposes and will appear on your payment summary.
How does a HECS/HELP debt affect DSTG take-home pay?
DSTG employees with a HECS/HELP debt have compulsory repayments withheld through PAYG once income exceeds the repayment threshold ($69,528). Because BDCP payments are assessable income, they also lift your repayment calculation in the year they are paid. Use the Tax Calculator with the HECS toggle to model the effect on your take-home pay.
Can DSTG employees salary sacrifice into superannuation?
Yes. DSTG employees can make voluntary concessional contributions to PSSap or Defence Super on top of the 15.4% employer contribution. Because concessional contributions are taxed at the concessional super rate rather than your marginal income-tax rate, salary sacrifice is most valuable for employees in the higher marginal tax brackets — typically senior S&T levels. Consult the salary sacrifice super calculator on this site or a financial adviser before adjusting contributions.
How does DSTG pay compare to equivalent ADF officer roles?
DSTG civilian scientists at S&T Level 3–5 earn broadly comparable base salaries to Australian Army, Navy and Air Force officers at OF-2 to OF-3 ranks (Captain / Lieutenant Commander equivalent). ADF officers, however, receive additional benefits such as housing and service allowances and fully subsidised healthcare that DSTG civilians do not. The BDCP allowance partially bridges this gap for high-performing scientists, and both groups receive 15.4% employer superannuation.
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