How much do employees in the Australian Public Service (APS) earn at levels 1 to 6? Whether you're considering a public sector career, already in the APS and looking to move up, or simply want to compare salaries across different agencies, understanding the full breakdown of APS salaries is essential.
APS Levels 1–6 represent the core of Australia's federal government workforce. These levels span from entry-level administrative roles to experienced technical, policy, and program positions. But while the pay structure is unified under government frameworks, salaries still vary significantly by agency, job title, and even geographic location.
This guide provides a complete APS Level 1–6 salary breakdown by job title and agency, along with additional insights into pay progression, allowances, and tips for navigating the APS job system. If you're aiming to make informed career decisions or explore new roles within the public service, this article is for you.
What Are APS Levels 1 to 6 in Australia?
APS Levels 1 to 6 refer to job classifications in the Australian Public Service (APS), which is Australia's federal government workforce structure. These levels determine salary ranges, duties, skills required, and career progression opportunities.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
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APS Level 1–2: Entry-level roles for new workers, school leavers, or those with minimal experience. Duties are often routine, administrative, and under supervision.
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APS Level 3–4: Intermediate roles that require a basic to moderate level of experience or skills. Often involve customer service, data processing, or operational support.
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APS Level 5–6: More senior, technical, or specialist roles. Employees are expected to work independently, manage projects, and provide advice or leadership.
Each level comes with its own salary band, which is determined by both national frameworks and individual agency enterprise agreements.
APS Level 1–6 Salary Ranges in Australia (General Overview)
Before diving into agency-specific breakdowns, here’s a typical national range for each APS level as per the latest enterprise agreements:
| APS Level | Minimum Annual Salary | Maximum Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| APS 1 | $48,000 | $54,000 |
| APS 2 | $54,000 | $61,000 |
| APS 3 | $61,000 | $69,000 |
| APS 4 | $69,000 | $78,000 |
| APS 5 | $78,000 | $86,000 |
| APS 6 | $86,000 | $98,000 |
Note: Actual salaries may vary by agency and location due to enterprise bargaining agreements, allowances, and internal progression steps.
APS Level 1–6 Salary Breakdown by Job Title
Here’s a detailed breakdown of common job titles within each APS level, along with the corresponding average salary range across federal agencies:
APS Level 1
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Administrative Assistant: $48,000 – $52,000
Basic office and clerical duties, such as filing, data entry, and reception. -
Mailroom Officer: $48,000 – $51,500
Handles document delivery, sorting, and logistical support within departments.
APS Level 2
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Data Entry Clerk: $54,000 – $58,000
Performs routine data processing tasks with limited autonomy. -
Customer Service Officer: $55,000 – $60,000
Responds to enquiries, supports the public, and uses basic systems.
APS Level 3
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Program Support Officer: $61,000 – $66,000
Provides assistance with project coordination, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. -
Human Resources Assistant: $62,000 – $67,000
Supports recruitment, training administration, and personnel tasks.
APS Level 4
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Policy Support Officer: $69,000 – $74,000
Conducts basic policy research, drafts reports, and supports senior advisors. -
Procurement Officer: $70,000 – $76,000
Manages purchasing activities and ensures compliance with procurement rules.
APS Level 5
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Senior Administration Officer: $78,000 – $82,000
Oversees administrative staff and processes, prepares reports, and liaises with stakeholders. -
IT Support Specialist: $79,000 – $85,000
Provides tech support and assists in systems maintenance and upgrades.
APS Level 6
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Policy Analyst: $86,000 – $93,000
Develops and evaluates policies, prepares ministerial briefs, and provides expert advice. -
Project Manager: $90,000 – $98,000
Manages complex government projects, including planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination.
APS Salary Differences by Agency (Level 1–6)
Not all APS roles are paid the same across agencies. Here are salary ranges for popular departments:
Services Australia
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APS 1: $50,000 – $54,000
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APS 6: $89,000 – $97,000
Known for customer service, Centrelink, and Medicare roles. Fast-paced, structured environment.
Department of Home Affairs
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APS 2: $55,500 – $60,800
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APS 5: $80,000 – $85,500
Includes immigration, border security, and visa processing positions.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
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APS 3: $62,000 – $67,000
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APS 6: $87,500 – $96,000
Engages in tax compliance, audits, and client service functions.
Department of Defence
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APS 4: $70,000 – $77,000
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APS 6: $91,000 – $98,000
Offers roles in logistics, planning, and intelligence.
Department of Education
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APS 3: $63,000 – $69,000
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APS 5: $81,000 – $86,000
Focuses on program support and educational policy initiatives.
Salary Progression Within Each APS Level
Every APS level contains pay points, which allow for salary increases within the band. Advancement happens through:
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Annual Performance Reviews: High performers receive step increases yearly.
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Internal Promotions: Moving up to the next APS level requires applying for higher roles.
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Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBA): Union negotiations can raise base salaries.
Employees may also receive Temporary Higher Duties Allowance (THDA) if they act in higher roles temporarily.
Allowances and Extra Benefits
Apart from base salaries, APS employees at levels 1–6 may receive:
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Remote or Regional Allowances
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Language Proficiency Allowance
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Overtime Pay
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Flexible Working Hours
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Professional Development Support
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Paid Study Leave
These incentives make APS jobs competitive compared to many private sector roles.
Summary Table: APS Level 1–6 Salaries by Title and Agency
| APS Level | Job Title | Typical Agency | Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS 1 | Admin Assistant | Services Australia | $48,000 – $54,000 |
| APS 2 | Customer Service Officer | Home Affairs | $54,000 – $61,000 |
| APS 3 | Program Support Officer | ATO | $61,000 – $69,000 |
| APS 4 | Procurement Officer | Defence | $69,000 – $78,000 |
| APS 5 | IT Support Specialist | Education | $78,000 – $86,000 |
| APS 6 | Policy Analyst | Multiple Agencies | $86,000 – $98,000 |
How to Get an APS Level 1–6 Job in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide
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Register on APSJobs.gov.au: The official portal for federal public service roles.
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Search Based on Classification: Filter roles by APS Level.
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Read the Job Pack Thoroughly: Understand the selection criteria.
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Tailor Your Resume and Response: Align with the role’s core duties.
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Prepare for the Interview: Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
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Apply for Multiple Roles: Cast a wide net to increase chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the starting salary for APS Level 1?
Typically around $48,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the agency.
2. Do APS employees get annual bonuses?
No, but they receive step increases based on performance.
3. How often do APS staff get promoted?
Promotions aren’t automatic — you must apply for higher-level roles and compete.
4. Can a new graduate start at APS Level 4 or 5?
Yes, through graduate programs or strong qualifications, many start at higher levels.
5. Is APS Level 6 a managerial role?
Often yes — Level 6 staff may manage projects or teams.
6. Are APS salaries negotiable?
No, salaries follow fixed enterprise agreements and pay points.
7. Do APS roles require security clearance?
Many do — especially in Defence, Home Affairs, and intelligence agencies.
8. Is remote work allowed in the APS?
Yes, many agencies now support flexible and hybrid work options.
9. What’s the difference between APS and EL levels?
EL (Executive Level) roles are above APS 6 and involve more senior leadership duties.
10. How long does it take to move from APS 1 to APS 6?
It varies by performance, opportunities, and agency — often 5–8 years or more.
Final Thoughts
APS Level 1–6 roles form the foundation of the Australian Public Service. They offer structured career progression, competitive salaries, and a wide variety of roles across policy, administration, IT, education, defence, and more.
Whether you're applying for your first APS job or planning to transition within the system, understanding the salary structure by job title and agency helps you make smarter career moves. Take time to compare roles, tailor your applications, and aim for the agency that aligns with your long-term goals.
The APS is not just a job — it’s a career path with clear progression and real impact.