Northern Territory Public Service Salary Scales 2025–2026
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
Northern Territory Public Service
| Classification | Minimum | Maximum | Calculate |
|---|---|---|---|
Administrative Officer 2 (AO2) Entry level administrative officer roles | $62,069 | $67,210 | Calculate |
Administrative Officer 3 (AO3) Administrative officer roles | $68,776 | $73,898 | Calculate |
Administrative Officer 4 (AO4) Experienced administrative officer roles | $77,344 | $88,179 | Calculate |
Administrative Officer 5 (AO5) Senior administrative officer roles | $90,946 | $95,468 | Calculate |
Administrative Officer 6 (AO6) Advanced administrative officer roles | $99,519 | $110,953 | Calculate |
Administrative Officer 7 (AO7) Team leader and specialist roles | $117,356 | $126,251 | Calculate |
Senior Administrative Officer 1 (SAO1) Senior specialist and supervisory roles | $132,408 | $147,919 | Calculate |
Senior Administrative Officer 2 (SAO2) Senior management roles | $152,751 | $166,487 | Calculate |
Executive Officer 2 (EO2) Executive management roles | $176,699 | $176,699 | Calculate |
Executive Officer 3 (EO3) Senior executive roles | $181,724 | $181,724 | Calculate |
Important Notes
- •Salaries effective from November 17, 2025 (NTPS Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025)
- •Administrative Officer 1 (AO1) classification removed after classification review
- •Employees progress one pay point after 12 months of continuous service
- •Professional stream (P1–P3) rates not included — see OCPE for current figures
- •Technical stream (T1-T6) also available with separate salary scales
Salary Range by Classification
Each bar shows the min–max salary range for that classification. Select jurisdictions to compare side by side.
Updated Nov 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 Northern Territory Public Service Salary Scales
The Northern Territory Public Service uses a structured classification system with 10 classification levels to determine salary for public sector employees — from Administrative Officer 2 (AO2) ($62,069–$67,210) up to Executive Officer 3 (EO3) ($181,724–$181,724). Salaries are reviewed and updated through enterprise agreements and government determinations.
Superannuation: NT employees receive 12% employer superannuation. This matches the standard Superannuation Guarantee rate.
Salary Data Last Updated
17 November 2025 — Source: Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment
Key Information
- Salaries effective from November 17, 2025 (NTPS Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025)
- Administrative Officer 1 (AO1) classification removed after classification review
- Employees progress one pay point after 12 months of continuous service
- Professional stream (P1–P3) rates not included — see OCPE for current figures
- Technical stream (T1-T6) also available with separate salary scales
Compare with Other Jurisdictions
See how NT salaries compare with other Australian public service jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current Northern Territory public service salary scales for 2025–2026?
Northern Territory public service salaries are set under the NTPS Enterprise Agreement 2021–2025. AO2 (entry) starts at $62,069–$67,210 and AO7 reaches $117,356–$126,251. Senior Administrative Officers (SAO1–SAO2) range from $132,408–$166,487, and Executive Officers (EO2–EO3) reach $176,699–$181,724. Rates were updated November 17, 2025.
How does NT public service pay compare to the APS?
Northern Territory (NT) public service salaries include a remote locality allowance for Darwin-based employees, which can significantly increase total remuneration. Base salaries are broadly comparable to APS levels. The NT also offers a housing assistance scheme in some roles, making the total package more competitive than base salary alone suggests.
When is the next NT public service salary increase?
The NT public service salary data on this site reflects rates effective August 2024 under the current NTPS Enterprise Agreement. The Northern Territory Government negotiates enterprise agreements with relevant unions, and increases are typically announced with several months' notice.
What is the take-home pay for an NT AO4 employee?
An NT AO4 employee earning approximately $77,344–$88,179 per year takes home around $60,000–$68,000 after income tax and Medicare levy. Note that Darwin-based employees may also receive locality allowances. Use the Tax Calculator on this site to estimate your take-home pay based on your total income.
How does a HECS/HELP debt affect NT public service take-home pay?
NT public servants with a HECS/HELP debt have compulsory repayments withheld via PAYG once income exceeds $54,435 (2025–26 threshold). At an NT AO6 salary of ~$120,000, HECS repayments add approximately $7,500–$9,000 annually on top of income tax. Note that locality allowances are assessable income and also count towards your HECS repayment threshold. Use the Tax Calculator with the HECS toggle to see your exact take-home pay.
Can NT public servants salary sacrifice?
Yes. NT public servants can salary sacrifice into superannuation as concessional contributions. Some NT Government agencies and NT Health roles may also offer Remote Area Tax Concessions and PBI packaging benefits. Given Darwin's higher cost of living and isolation, the NT Government offers several additional allowances that can meaningfully increase total remuneration. Contact your agency's HR team for specific options.
What leave entitlements do NT public servants receive?
Under the NTPS Enterprise Agreement, NT public servants receive 20 days annual leave per year plus an additional 5 days for Darwin-based employees (25 days total), 15 days personal leave (cumulative), and long service leave at 1/65th of service per year. The extra annual leave for Darwin-based staff reflects the remote location hardship and is a meaningful benefit not available in mainland states.
How does NT public service pay compare to QLD and SA?
NT AO5–7 salaries ($96,000–$126,000) are broadly comparable to QLD AO5–6 and SA ASO5–6. NT employees also receive locality allowances (Darwin: up to ~$9,000 per year) that bring total remuneration above equivalent mainland classifications. The 12% standard superannuation applies in all three jurisdictions. Darwin's higher cost of groceries and utilities compared to Brisbane and Adelaide partially offsets the locality allowance advantage.
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