NSW Public Service Salary Scales
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
NSW Public Service
| Classification | Range | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
Clerks General Scale Entry level clerical positions (Steps 1–13) | $36,668Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $71,777Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 1 Administrative roles — Grade 1 | $75,728Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $77,953Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 2 Administrative roles — Grade 2 | $80,129Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $82,329Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 3 Administrative roles — Grade 3 | $84,659Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $87,213Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 4 Administrative roles — Grade 4 | $89,934Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $92,701Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 5 Administrative roles — Grade 5 | $99,938Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $103,089Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 6 Administrative roles — Grade 6 | $107,131Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $110,271Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 7 Administrative roles — Grade 7 | $113,574Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $116,969Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 8 Administrative roles — Grade 8 | $121,845Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $125,720Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 9 Administrative roles — Grade 9 | $129,464Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $133,105Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 10 Administrative roles — Grade 10 | $138,539Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $142,665Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 11 Administrative roles — Grade 11 | $149,739Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $156,088Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
Clerks Grade 12 Administrative roles — Grade 12 | $165,865Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $173,174Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ |
Notes
- ·Current rates effective 1 July 2025 (3% increase from 2024)
- ·Next increase: 3% on 1 July 2026
- ·Previous increases: 4% (July 2024)
- ·Superannuation at 13.0% from 1 July 2025 (increased from 12.5%)
- ·Source: Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award
- ·Nursing & Midwifery rates from Public Health System Nurses' & Midwives' (State) Award 2023 and Crown Employees Nurses' (State) Award 2023, effective 1 July 2025 (3% increase). Source: NSW Health Information Bulletin IB2025_039.
Salary Snapshot
NSW Administrative & Clerical salary bands, shown per year.
Entry salary
$36,668
Clerks General Scale
Top salary
$173,174
Clerks Grade 12
Midpoint band
$108,701
Clerks Grade 6
Classifications
13
Administrative & Clerical stream
Classification range ladder
Min to max salary within the currently selected jurisdiction and stream
Clerks General Scale
Entry level clerical positions (Steps 1–13)
Clerks Grade 1
Administrative roles — Grade 1
Clerks Grade 2
Administrative roles — Grade 2
Clerks Grade 3
Administrative roles — Grade 3
Clerks Grade 4
Administrative roles — Grade 4
Clerks Grade 5
Administrative roles — Grade 5
Clerks Grade 6
Administrative roles — Grade 6
Clerks Grade 7
Administrative roles — Grade 7
Clerks Grade 8
Administrative roles — Grade 8
Clerks Grade 9
Administrative roles — Grade 9
Clerks Grade 10
Administrative roles — Grade 10
Clerks Grade 11
Administrative roles — Grade 11
Clerks Grade 12
Administrative roles — Grade 12
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The Australian Public Service (APS) employs over 150,000 people across the country.
About NSW Public Service Salary Scales
The default guide view for NSW Public Service highlights the Administrative & Clerical with 13 classification levels — from Clerks General Scale ($36,668–$71,777) up to Clerks Grade 12 ($165,865–$173,174). Salaries are reviewed and updated through enterprise agreements and government determinations.
Superannuation: NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation. This matches the standard Superannuation Guarantee rate.
Salary Data Last Updated
1 July 2025 — Source: Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award Rates shown are effective from 1 July 2025. The agreement also includes a later salary column from 1 July 2026, but that future table is not shown here.
Key Information
- Current rates effective 1 July 2025 (3% increase from 2024)
- Next increase: 3% on 1 July 2026
- Previous increases: 4% (July 2024)
- Superannuation at 13.0% from 1 July 2025 (increased from 12.5%)
- Source: Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award
- Nursing & Midwifery rates from Public Health System Nurses' & Midwives' (State) Award 2023 and Crown Employees Nurses' (State) Award 2023, effective 1 July 2025 (3% increase). Source: NSW Health Information Bulletin IB2025_039.
Classification Streams
Compare with Other Jurisdictions
See how NSW salaries compare with other Australian public service jurisdictions:
NSW Administrative & Clerical Salary Guide by Classification
Quick reference for every NSW Public Service Administrative & Clerical 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.
NSW General Scale Salary
The General Scale classification (the NSW Clerks General Scale) pays $36,668–$71,777 per year. Entry level clerical positions (Steps 1–13). Calculate General Scaletake-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 1 Salary
The Clerk Grade 1 classification (also known as Grade 1 or NSW Clerks Grade 1) pays $75,728–$77,953 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 1. Calculate Clerk Grade 1take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 2 Salary
The Clerk Grade 2 classification (also known as Grade 2 or NSW Clerks Grade 2) pays $80,129–$82,329 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 2. Calculate Clerk Grade 2take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 3 Salary
The Clerk Grade 3 classification (also known as Grade 3 or NSW Clerks Grade 3) pays $84,659–$87,213 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 3. Calculate Clerk Grade 3take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 4 Salary
The Clerk Grade 4 classification (also known as Grade 4 or NSW Clerks Grade 4) pays $89,934–$92,701 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 4. Calculate Clerk Grade 4take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 5 Salary
The Clerk Grade 5 classification (also known as Grade 5 or NSW Clerks Grade 5) pays $99,938–$103,089 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 5. Calculate Clerk Grade 5take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 6 Salary
The Clerk Grade 6 classification (also known as Grade 6 or NSW Clerks Grade 6) pays $107,131–$110,271 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 6. Calculate Clerk Grade 6take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 7 Salary
The Clerk Grade 7 classification (also known as Grade 7 or NSW Clerks Grade 7) pays $113,574–$116,969 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 7. Calculate Clerk Grade 7take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 8 Salary
The Clerk Grade 8 classification (also known as Grade 8 or NSW Clerks Grade 8) pays $121,845–$125,720 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 8. Calculate Clerk Grade 8take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 9 Salary
The Clerk Grade 9 classification (also known as Grade 9 or NSW Clerks Grade 9) pays $129,464–$133,105 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 9. Calculate Clerk Grade 9take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 10 Salary
The Clerk Grade 10 classification (also known as Grade 10 or NSW Clerks Grade 10) pays $138,539–$142,665 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 10. Calculate Clerk Grade 10take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 11 Salary
The Clerk Grade 11 classification (also known as Grade 11 or NSW Clerks Grade 11) pays $149,739–$156,088 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 11. Calculate Clerk Grade 11take-home pay →
NSW Clerk Grade 12 Salary
The Clerk Grade 12 classification (also known as Grade 12 or NSW Clerks Grade 12) pays $165,865–$173,174 per year. Administrative roles — Grade 12. Calculate Clerk Grade 12take-home pay →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the General Scale salary?
A Administrative & Clerical General Scale (the NSW Clerks General Scale) earns $36,668 to $71,777 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $34,000–$58,000 per year. This classification covers entry level clerical positions (steps 1–13). NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 1 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 1 (also known as Grade 1 or NSW Clerks Grade 1) earns $75,728 to $77,953 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $61,000–$62,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 1. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 2 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 2 (also known as Grade 2 or NSW Clerks Grade 2) earns $80,129 to $82,329 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $64,000–$65,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 2. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 3 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 3 (also known as Grade 3 or NSW Clerks Grade 3) earns $84,659 to $87,213 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $67,000–$69,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 3. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 4 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 4 (also known as Grade 4 or NSW Clerks Grade 4) earns $89,934 to $92,701 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $70,000–$72,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 4. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 5 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 5 (also known as Grade 5 or NSW Clerks Grade 5) earns $99,938 to $103,089 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $77,000–$78,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 5. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 6 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 6 (also known as Grade 6 or NSW Clerks Grade 6) earns $107,131 to $110,271 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $81,000–$83,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 6. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 7 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 7 (also known as Grade 7 or NSW Clerks Grade 7) earns $113,574 to $116,969 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $85,000–$88,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 7. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 8 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 8 (also known as Grade 8 or NSW Clerks Grade 8) earns $121,845 to $125,720 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $91,000–$93,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 8. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 9 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 9 (also known as Grade 9 or NSW Clerks Grade 9) earns $129,464 to $133,105 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $96,000–$98,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 9. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 10 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 10 (also known as Grade 10 or NSW Clerks Grade 10) earns $138,539 to $142,665 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $101,000–$104,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 10. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 11 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 11 (also known as Grade 11 or NSW Clerks Grade 11) earns $149,739 to $156,088 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $108,000–$112,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 11. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What is the Clerk Grade 12 salary?
A Administrative & Clerical Clerk Grade 12 (also known as Grade 12 or NSW Clerks Grade 12) earns $165,865 to $173,174 per year as set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $117,000–$122,000 per year. This classification covers administrative roles — grade 12. NSW employees receive 13% employer superannuation.
What are the current NSW public service salary scales for 2025–2026?
NSW public service salaries are set under the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries 2025) Award. General Scale 1 starts at $44,840, rising through 13 steps. Grade 1 ranges from $79,784–$102,422, Grade 2 from $108,600–$119,673, Grade 3 from $126,063–$139,056, and Grade 4 at $140,412. Senior Executive Band 1 ranges from $209,634–$281,351. A 3% increase was effective 1 July 2025.
How does NSW public service pay compare to the APS?
NSW General Scale salaries are broadly comparable to APS levels, but NSW offers less generous superannuation — the standard 12% super versus APS's 15.4%. At senior levels (Clerk Grade 11/12 and above), NSW salaries can exceed equivalent APS EL2 rates. NSW also has specific classification structures for professional streams.
When is the next NSW public service salary increase?
NSW public servants received a 3% pay rise effective 1 July 2025 under the Crown Employees Award. Future increases are subject to NSW Government budget decisions and enterprise bargaining. Annual CPI-linked reviews are typical for NSW public sector awards.
How does a HECS/HELP debt affect NSW public service take-home pay?
NSW public servants with a HECS/HELP debt have a compulsory repayment withheld via PAYG once income exceeds the threshold ($54,435 in 2025–26). At a Clerk Grade 7/8 salary of ~$120,000, this adds approximately $7,500–$9,000 annually on top of income tax. Use the Tax Calculator on this site with the HECS toggle enabled to see your precise take-home pay.
Can NSW public servants salary sacrifice?
Yes. NSW public servants can salary sacrifice into superannuation as a concessional contribution, taxed at 15% rather than your marginal rate — a meaningful saving if you're in the 32.5% bracket or above. Some NSW agencies also offer salary packaging for novated vehicle leases. Contact your agency's payroll team for specific options available in your department.
What leave entitlements do NSW public servants receive?
Under the Crown Employees Award, NSW public servants receive 20 days annual leave per year, 15 days sick leave (cumulative), and long service leave at 2 months per 10 years of service, with pro-rata entitlements available after 5 years. Some agencies provide additional provisions for shift workers and specialist roles.
How does NSW public service pay compare to Queensland and Victoria?
NSW Grade 1–2 salaries ($79,784–$119,673) are broadly comparable to Queensland administrative stream Levels 4–6 and VIC VPS 4 levels. At senior grades, NSW Senior Executive Band rates ($209,000–$281,000) sit above the Queensland administrative stream table and most VIC classifications. All three states offer the standard 12% superannuation, compared to the federal APS's 15.4%. Cost of living — particularly Sydney versus Brisbane or Melbourne — should also be factored into comparisons.
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