Queensland Public Service Salary Scales 2025–2026
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
Queensland Public Service
| Classification | Minimum | Maximum | Calculate |
|---|---|---|---|
AO2 Entry level administrative officer roles | $57,845 | $64,272 | Calculate |
AO3 Administrative officer roles | $65,343 | $72,842 | Calculate |
AO4 Experienced administrative officer roles | $73,913 | $81,411 | Calculate |
AO5 Senior administrative officer roles | $82,482 | $91,052 | Calculate |
AO6 Advanced administrative officer roles | $92,123 | $100,693 | Calculate |
AO7 Team leader and specialist roles | $101,764 | $112,476 | Calculate |
AO8 Senior specialist and supervisory roles | $113,547 | $126,402 | Calculate |
Senior Officer Grade A Senior management roles | $127,473 | $144,612 | Calculate |
Senior Officer Grade B Executive management roles | $145,683 | $166,036 | Calculate |
Senior Officer Grade C Senior executive roles | $167,107 | $192,816 | Calculate |
Important Notes
- •Current 2025 rates (effective July 1, 2025) reflect 3% increase
- •State Government Entities Certified Agreement 2023
- •Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) may apply
- •Awards set minimum conditions; agreements often provide higher rates
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 Queensland Public Service Salary Scales
The Queensland Public Service uses a structured classification system with 10 classification levels to determine salary for public sector employees — from AO2 ($57,845–$64,272) up to Senior Officer Grade C ($167,107–$192,816). Salaries are reviewed and updated through enterprise agreements and government determinations.
Superannuation: QLD employees receive 12% employer superannuation. This matches the standard Superannuation Guarantee rate.
Salary Data Last Updated
1 July 2025 — Source: Queensland Government
Key Information
- Current 2025 rates (effective July 1, 2025) reflect 3% increase
- State Government Entities Certified Agreement 2023
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) may apply
- Awards set minimum conditions; agreements often provide higher rates
Compare with Other Jurisdictions
See how QLD salaries compare with other Australian public service jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current Queensland public service salary scales for 2025–2026?
Queensland public service salaries are set under the State Government Entities Certified Agreement 2023. AO2 (entry level) starts at $57,845–$64,272 and AO8 reaches $113,547–$126,402. A 3% increase was effective 1 July 2025. Senior Officer Grades A–C extend to $192,816.
How does QLD public service pay compare to the APS?
Queensland (QLD) AO classifications are competitive with APS at entry and mid levels. QLD AO5–6 (equivalent to APS 5–6) salaries are broadly similar, but QLD senior officer rates (SO-A, SO-B) can exceed APS EL1 levels. Like most states, QLD offers 12% superannuation compared to the APS's 15.4%.
When is the next Queensland public service salary increase?
Queensland public servants received a 3% increase effective 1 July 2025. Future increases are determined by Queensland Government wage policy and enterprise bargaining outcomes. Annual increases of around 3% have been consistent in recent QLD public sector agreements.
What is the take-home pay for a QLD AO5?
A QLD AO5 employee earning approximately $96,000–$105,000 per year receives around $73,000–$79,000 in take-home pay after income tax and Medicare levy. Use the Tax Calculator on this site to model your specific circumstances including super and HECS.
How does a HECS/HELP debt affect QLD public service take-home pay?
QLD public servants with a HECS/HELP debt have compulsory repayments withheld via PAYG once income exceeds the threshold ($54,435 in 2025–26). At a QLD AO6 salary of ~$112,000, HECS repayments add approximately $6,000–$8,000 annually on top of income tax. Use the Tax Calculator on this site with the HECS toggle to see your exact take-home pay.
Can QLD public servants salary sacrifice?
Yes. QLD public servants can salary sacrifice into superannuation as concessional contributions, taxed at 15% rather than their marginal rate. Some Queensland Health and government-owned corporation roles also offer fringe benefit tax-exempt salary packaging. Check with your agency's payroll team for specific options available in your department.
What leave entitlements do QLD public servants receive?
Under the State Government Entities Certified Agreement, QLD public servants receive 20 days annual leave per year (with a loading of 17.5% on annual leave), 15 days sick leave (cumulative), and long service leave at 1.3 weeks per year of service (approximately 13 weeks after 10 years). The annual leave loading of 17.5% is a notable benefit not universally available in other jurisdictions.
How does QLD public service pay compare to NSW and WA?
QLD AO5–6 salaries ($96,000–$126,000) are broadly comparable to NSW Clerk Grade 5/6 and WA Level 5–6. Western Australia has recently offered higher increases (4% in 2025 vs QLD's 3%), narrowing the gap at senior levels. All three states offer the standard 12% superannuation. Brisbane's lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Perth makes QLD salaries comparatively competitive in real purchasing power terms.
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