NSW Public Service Salary Scales 2025–2026
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
NSW Public Service
| Classification | Minimum | Maximum | Calculate |
|---|---|---|---|
General Scale 1 Entry level clerical position | $44,840 | $44,840 | Calculate |
General Scale (HSC/19 years) Entry level with HSC or age 19 | $50,805 | $50,805 | Calculate |
General Scale 2 (Age 20) Entry level age 20 | $54,228 | $54,228 | Calculate |
General Scale 3 (Age 21) Entry level age 21 | $58,444 | $58,444 | Calculate |
General Scale 4-13 Progressive entry level positions (steps 4-13) | $60,044 | $79,018 | Calculate |
Grade 1 Professional administrative roles (Years 1-5: $79,784 to $102,422) | $79,784 | $102,422 | Calculate |
Grade 2 Senior administrative roles (Years 1-4: $108,600 to $119,673) | $108,600 | $119,673 | Calculate |
Grade 3 Advanced administrative roles (Years 1-4: $126,063 to $139,056) | $126,063 | $139,056 | Calculate |
Grade 4 Management and senior specialist roles | $140,412 | $140,412 | Calculate |
Senior Executive Band 1 Senior executive roles | $209,634 | $281,351 | Calculate |
Senior Executive Band 2 Executive leadership roles | $282,454 | $386,168 | Calculate |
Important Notes
- •Current 2025 rates (effective July 1, 2025) reflect 3% increase from 2024
- •Projected 2026 rates (effective July 1, 2026) reflect 3% increase
- •Previous increases: 4% (July 2024)
- •Total 11.4% increase over three years (2024-2026)
- •General Scale includes 13 steps for entry-level progression
- •Grades 1-4 have internal year increments (shown as salary ranges)
- •Superannuation at 13.0% from July 1, 2025 (increased 0.5% from 12.5%)
- •Based on Crown Employees (Administrative and Clerical Officers - Salaries) Award 2007
Salary Range by Classification
Each bar shows the min–max salary range for that classification. Select jurisdictions to compare side by side.
Updated July 2025
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 NSW Public Service Salary Scales
The NSW Public Service uses a structured classification system with 11 classification levels to determine salary for public sector employees — from General Scale 1 ($44,840–$44,840) up to Senior Executive Band 2 ($282,454–$386,168). 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
Key Information
- Current 2025 rates (effective July 1, 2025) reflect 3% increase from 2024
- Projected 2026 rates (effective July 1, 2026) reflect 3% increase
- Previous increases: 4% (July 2024)
- Total 11.4% increase over three years (2024-2026)
- General Scale includes 13 steps for entry-level progression
- Grades 1-4 have internal year increments (shown as salary ranges)
- Superannuation at 13.0% from July 1, 2025 (increased 0.5% from 12.5%)
- Based on Crown Employees (Administrative and Clerical Officers - Salaries) Award 2007
Compare with Other Jurisdictions
See how NSW salaries compare with other Australian public service jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What is the take-home pay for a NSW Clerk Grade 7/8?
A NSW Clerk Grade 7/8 earning around $110,000–$130,000 per year receives approximately $81,000–$94,000 in take-home pay after income tax and Medicare levy. Use the Tax Calculator on this site to get a precise estimate based on your actual salary and other income details.
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 QLD AO5–6 and VIC VPS 4 levels. At senior grades, NSW Senior Executive Band rates ($209,000–$281,000) exceed equivalent QLD and 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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