Public Service Salary Scales
Compare salary scales across Australian federal and state public services
South Australia Public Service
| Classification | Range | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
GFSc 1 Early career scientist roles | $71,046Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $86,729Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
GFSc 2 Research scientist roles | $91,565Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $105,083Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
GFSc 3 Senior research scientist roles | $108,087Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $114,847Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
GFSc 4 Principal research scientist roles | $118,601Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $129,116Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
GFSc 5 Chief research scientist roles | $132,121Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $144,504Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
GFSc 6A Distinguished research scientist roles | $158,668Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $158,668Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | |
GFSc 6B Senior distinguished research scientist roles | $170,363Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ | $170,363Use in calc →Open in tax calculator ↗ |
Notes
- ·Rates are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2025, under the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026, approved by the South Australian Employment Tribunal on 4 March 2026.
- ·Further increases are scheduled from 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2027 under the same agreement.
- ·ASO Level 1 rates shown are adult rates only.
- ·MAS 3 is closed to new appointments following SAET approval on 4 March 2026; existing MAS 3 employees retain their classification.
- ·Dental Officers and Grant Funded Scientists are specialist streams covered by separate schedules within this agreement.
Salary Snapshot
SA Grant Funded Scientists salary bands, shown per year.
Entry salary
$71,046
GFSc 1
Top salary
$170,363
GFSc 6B
Midpoint band
$123,859
GFSc 4
Classifications
7
Grant Funded Scientists stream
Classification range ladder
Min to max salary within the currently selected jurisdiction and stream
GFSc 1
Early career scientist roles
GFSc 2
Research scientist roles
GFSc 3
Senior research scientist roles
GFSc 4
Principal research scientist roles
GFSc 5
Chief research scientist roles
GFSc 6A
Distinguished research scientist roles
GFSc 6B
Senior distinguished research scientist roles
Earning around $124,000?
Calculate your exact take-home pay
See how much you'll actually receive after tax, Medicare & super.
The Australian Public Service (APS) employs over 150,000 people across the country.
Grant Funded Scientists — South Australia
The Grant Funded Scientists stream covers research scientists employed in SA Government agencies whose remuneration is wholly or partially funded through research grants. Classifications span GFSc 1 for early career researchers through to GFSc 6B for distinguished scientists. These rates are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2025 under the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026.
Source: SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026
Other SA Classification Streams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GFSc 1 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 1 earns $71,046 to $86,729 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $58,000–$68,000 per year. This classification covers early career scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 2 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 2 earns $91,565 to $105,083 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $71,000–$80,000 per year. This classification covers research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 3 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 3 earns $108,087 to $114,847 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $82,000–$86,000 per year. This classification covers senior research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 4 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 4 earns $118,601 to $129,116 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $88,000–$95,000 per year. This classification covers principal research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 5 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 5 earns $132,121 to $144,504 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $97,000–$105,000 per year. This classification covers chief research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 6A salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 6A earns $158,668 to $158,668 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $113,000–$113,000 per year. This classification covers distinguished research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 6B salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 6B earns $170,363 to $170,363 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $120,000–$120,000 per year. This classification covers senior distinguished research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What qualifications are needed to enter the SA Grant Funded Scientist stream?
Entry to GFSc 1 requires a 3 or 4 year science degree. The GFSc 1 pay point for a 3-year degree starts at $71,046, while a 4-year degree (honours) starts at $74,052. GFSc 2 and above typically require a PhD or equivalent postdoctoral experience.
What is the salary range for SA Government research scientists?
Grant Funded Scientists range from $71,046 (GFSc 1, 3-year degree entry) to $170,363 (GFSc 6B). Most career researchers progress through GFSc 2–5 ($91,565–$144,504) over their working life.
Can SA grant funded scientists negotiate their salary?
Yes — the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026 allows a Grant Funded Scientist and their agency to agree on remuneration arrangements having regard to the salary basis of a relevant research grant, provided the salary is no less than the minimum rate applicable under the agreement.