Government & Public Sector Salary Guide Australia 2026
Overview
Australian Public Service (APS) and state government salaries are set by agency-level Enterprise Agreements. APS salaries are published transparently and increase by annual increments within each classification band. While base salaries are often 5–15% below equivalent private sector roles, the total employment value is substantially enhanced by 15.4% superannuation (Commonwealth agencies), generous leave entitlements, flexible work arrangements, and strong job security.
Salary Ranges by Role & Experience
Figures are base salary ranges in AUD for the Sydney / national market. See city comparison below for regional adjustments.
| Role | Entry / Lower band | Mid band | Upper band | Maximum / Senior step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS Level 1–2 | $52,000–$58,000 | $59,000–$65,000 | $66,000–$70,000 | N/A |
| APS Level 3–4 | $71,000–$78,000 | $79,000–$86,000 | $87,000–$93,000 | N/A |
| APS Level 5–6 | $94,000–$102,000 | $103,000–$112,000 | $113,000–$122,000 | N/A |
| Executive Level 1 (EL1) | $123,000–$132,000 | $133,000–$145,000 | $146,000–$158,000 | N/A |
| Executive Level 2 (EL2) | $160,000–$175,000 | $176,000–$192,000 | $193,000–$210,000 | N/A |
| SES Band 1 | $215,000–$240,000 | $242,000–$270,000 | $272,000–$310,000 | N/A |
| SES Band 2 | $315,000–$350,000 | $352,000–$395,000 | $398,000–$450,000 | N/A |
| SES Band 3 / Deputy Secretary | $450,000+ | $500,000+ | $550,000+ | N/A |
| State Gov. Grade 5–7 (equiv. APS5–6) | $88,000–$100,000 | $102,000–$115,000 | $117,000–$125,000 | N/A |
| State Gov. Senior Officer (equiv. EL1) | $118,000–$135,000 | $137,000–$150,000 | $152,000–$168,000 | N/A |
City Comparison
Salary differentials compared to the baseline market. Apply these modifiers to the role ranges above to estimate location-specific pay.
| City / Location | Salary Modifier | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canberra (ACT) | Baseline (APS) | Highest concentration of APS roles; ACT Government salaries are comparable |
| Sydney (NSW Gov) | +3% to +8% | NSW Public Service Commission grades; Sydney market adjustments apply |
| Melbourne (VIC Gov) | +0% to +5% | VIC public service follows VPSC grades; broadly comparable to APS |
| Brisbane (QLD Gov) | –3% to –8% | QLD Government grades; slightly below APS at equivalent levels |
| Perth (WA Gov) | +0% to +5% | WA Public Sector rates have risen with resource sector competition |
Factors That Affect Your Salary
Superannuation rate (15.4% Commonwealth)
Commonwealth agencies contribute 15.4% super vs the 11.5% private sector SGC — worth an extra $5,000–$25,000 per year.
Leave entitlements
APS employees receive 20 days personal leave, 4 weeks annual leave (often loading), long service leave, and flexible work provisions.
Security clearance level
NV2 and Positive Vetting clearances attract 10–25% salary premiums in defence, intelligence, and cybersecurity roles.
Incremental progression
APS salaries progress through annual increments within a band — progression is less tied to performance than private sector.
Performance bonuses
Most APS roles do not offer performance bonuses; EL and SES roles may have at-risk components of 5–15%.
Location loading
Remote and regional postings attract district allowances and location loadings of up to 25% in NT, remote WA, and similar postings.
Methodology & Data Sources
InnoMYLE's salary guide data is aggregated from publicly available and subscription-based remuneration surveys including Seek Salary Insights, Hays Salary Guide 2026, Robert Half Salary Guide 2026, Michael Page Australia Salary Guide, and Hudson Salary & Employment Insights. Job posting data from major Australian boards is also analysed to identify market-rate trends.
Ranges shown represent the 25th–75th percentile for each role and level in the relevant market. Outliers (both high and low) are excluded. All figures are base salary in Australian dollars (AUD) and exclude superannuation (11.5% SGC for most private employers; 15.4% for Commonwealth agencies), performance bonuses, car allowances, and other benefits unless specifically noted.
This guide was last updated in March 2026. Salary data changes regularly — use these figures as a guide and verify current market rates through salary surveys, recent job postings, and recruitment consultants before making decisions.