How much do Australian Public Service (APS) employees earn in 2025? Whether you're applying for your first APS job, aiming for a promotion, or simply curious about the pay bands, understanding the full salary structure is essential.
The APS salary scale in Australia is structured, predictable, and offers excellent job security, generous benefits, and clear promotion pathways. From APS Level 1 through to Senior Executive Service (SES) bands, each level reflects increasing responsibility and salary.
In this article, we break down the complete 2025 APS pay scale. We’ll explain what each level entails, show real salary figures, and help you understand how to move up the ranks. This guide is especially useful for job seekers, HR professionals, public servants, and students interested in government careers.
What is the APS (Australian Public Service)?
The Australian Public Service (APS) is the body of government employees working in federal departments and agencies across Australia. These staff support the government in delivering services, implementing policies, and managing public resources.
The APS covers a wide variety of roles including administration, policy advice, ICT, finance, environmental services, law enforcement support, and more.
The APS uses a structured pay classification system from APS Level 1 to Level 6, followed by Executive Level 1 (EL1), Executive Level 2 (EL2), and then Senior Executive Service (SES) bands.
Each level corresponds to a specific job complexity and responsibility tier with clearly defined salary ranges and progression paths.
APS Salary Scale 2025: Level-by-Level Breakdown
Let’s now walk through the full APS salary structure in 2025, level by level.
APS Level 1 Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Entry-level administrative assistant, junior data entry officer
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Salary Range: AUD $51,000 – $57,000 per year
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Key Features: Basic tasks under supervision, often a starting point for school leavers or interns.
APS1 jobs usually don’t require extensive experience. Duties are routine, such as filing, responding to emails, or supporting other team members.
APS Level 2 Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Records assistant, call centre operator
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Salary Range: AUD $58,000 – $64,000 per year
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Key Features: Slightly more responsibility than APS1, with greater independence.
Employees at this level may be responsible for customer service, data entry, or records management with limited supervision.
APS Level 3 Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Administrative Officer, Technical Support Assistant
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Salary Range: AUD $65,000 – $71,500 per year
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Key Features: Operational roles with some problem-solving responsibilities.
APS3 is suitable for those with some prior experience or training. You’re expected to follow procedures but also solve minor problems.
APS Level 4 Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Project Assistant, Executive Assistant
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Salary Range: AUD $72,000 – $80,000 per year
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Key Features: Coordination duties, more judgment required.
Roles at this level involve organising reports, managing schedules, supporting programs, and engaging with stakeholders.
APS Level 5 Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Policy Officer, Senior Administrative Officer
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Salary Range: AUD $81,000 – $89,000 per year
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Key Features: Decision-making authority, guidance to junior staff.
APS5 employees are trusted to plan tasks, draft internal documents, and supervise APS1–APS4 staff.
APS Level 6 Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Senior Policy Advisor, Program Manager
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Salary Range: AUD $90,000 – $104,000 per year
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Key Features: Specialist knowledge, independent work, team leadership.
APS6 is often seen as a senior technical or policy position — you’ll provide complex advice and manage small teams.
Executive Level 1 (EL1) Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Assistant Director, Legal Advisor
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Salary Range: AUD $112,000 – $130,000 per year
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Key Features: High-level project or team leadership, strategic planning.
EL1 officers are expected to lead teams, engage with external partners, and influence decisions across business units.
Executive Level 2 (EL2) Salary (2025)
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Typical Roles: Director, Senior Legal Advisor, Senior Policy Analyst
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Salary Range: AUD $135,000 – $158,000 per year
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Key Features: Executive responsibility, high-stakes decision-making, operational control.
EL2s oversee broad functions and play a strategic role in departmental performance and delivery.
Senior Executive Service (SES) Bands (2025)
The SES covers the highest-paid APS employees, responsible for managing entire divisions or leading major national initiatives.
SES Band 1 Salary
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Salary Range: AUD $182,000 – $220,000
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Typical Roles: Branch Head, General Manager
SES Band 2 Salary
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Salary Range: AUD $221,000 – $270,000
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Typical Roles: Division Head, Chief of Staff
SES Band 3 Salary
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Salary Range: AUD $271,000 – $350,000+
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Typical Roles: Deputy Secretary, Agency Head
These roles require decades of experience and come with intense responsibilities and public accountability.
Summary Table: APS Salary Bands 2025 (Level 1 to SES)
| APS Level | Typical Salary Range (AUD) | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| APS Level 1 | $51,000 – $57,000 | Admin Assistant |
| APS Level 2 | $58,000 – $64,000 | Records Officer |
| APS Level 3 | $65,000 – $71,500 | Admin Officer |
| APS Level 4 | $72,000 – $80,000 | Executive Assistant |
| APS Level 5 | $81,000 – $89,000 | Policy Officer |
| APS Level 6 | $90,000 – $104,000 | Program Manager |
| EL1 | $112,000 – $130,000 | Assistant Director |
| EL2 | $135,000 – $158,000 | Director |
| SES Band 1 | $182,000 – $220,000 | Branch Head |
| SES Band 2 | $221,000 – $270,000 | Division Head |
| SES Band 3 | $271,000 – $350,000+ | Agency Head |
How to Join the APS: Step-by-Step Guide
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Create a profile on APSJobs.gov.au
Register and set alerts for roles that match your skills. -
Check Eligibility Criteria
Most roles require Australian citizenship, background checks, and sometimes qualifications. -
Submit a Targeted Application
Tailor your resume and cover letter to address selection criteria for each job. -
Prepare for the Interview
You’ll usually be asked to provide examples aligned with core APS capabilities. -
Onboarding and Progression
After selection, you’ll undergo induction and performance reviews. Career progression depends on skills, results, and available vacancies.
Benefits of Working in the APS
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Flexible Work Conditions
Many roles offer remote/hybrid setups and flexible hours. -
Generous Superannuation
APS employees get higher employer contributions (around 15.4%). -
Career Development
Regular training and promotion pathways support long-term growth. -
Job Security
Government jobs are stable, even in economic downturns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the entry-level salary in the APS in 2025?
The starting salary is around AUD $51,000 for APS Level 1 roles.
2. How often do APS salaries increase?
Salaries are updated every 1–3 years depending on enterprise agreements. Annual step increments also apply within levels.
3. What qualifications do I need to work in the APS?
While many APS1–APS4 roles require minimal formal education, higher roles (APS5 and above) often require degrees or specific certifications.
4. Can you skip APS levels?
Yes. Based on qualifications and experience, you can apply directly for higher levels like APS6 or EL1 without working your way up from APS1.
5. What’s the highest-paying APS job?
SES Band 3 roles pay over AUD $350,000 and include agency heads or deputy secretaries.
6. How long does it take to get promoted?
It varies. With good performance and training, you can move from one level to the next in 1–3 years.
7. Are APS jobs open to non-citizens?
Most roles require Australian citizenship, though rare exceptions exist.
8. Do APS salaries differ by department?
Yes. Exact salary ranges may vary slightly based on enterprise agreements specific to each department or agency.
9. Are APS jobs full-time only?
No. There are part-time, casual, and contract options available.
10. Is it worth joining the APS?
Absolutely — if you’re seeking career growth, work-life balance, and long-term security.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the APS salary scale in Australia is crucial if you're planning a career in the public sector. Whether you’re starting at APS1 or aiming for SES, the system offers structure, progression, and real rewards.
In 2025, APS roles continue to attract job seekers due to their stability, great pay, and benefits. Use this guide as a roadmap and explore opportunities that match your skills and aspirations.