How much can you expect to earn in the Australian Taxation Office at APS Levels 1 through 6? Whether you're applying for your first public sector role, targeting promotion, or comparing government job pay, knowing precise salary details is essential. The ATO is attractive to many thanks to its structured pay system, generous allowances, and clear pathways for career growth.
While national frameworks guide APS pay, actual salaries depend on classification level, internal agency agreements, location, and allowances. This article provides a detailed breakdown of ATO salary ranges for APS Levels 1–6 based on 2025 data, aligning common roles to pay bands, describing responsibilities, allowances, career progression, and offering step-by-step guidance for applicants or current employees.
What Are APS Levels 1–6 and How Do They Apply at the ATO?
APS Levels structure job expectations and compensation across federal agencies like the ATO. At the ATO: APS 1 and 2 are entry-level operational roles; APS 3 and 4 introduce technical and compliance responsibilities; and APS 5 and 6 involve specialist analysis, project leadership and policy input. Each level is defined by an enterprise bargaining agreement and has salary steps that reflect experience and performance. Understanding how these levels operate within the ATO helps candidates evaluate roles, salary expectations, and their own growth trajectory.
ATO Salary Bands 2025 by APS Level
Official enterprise agreements for 2025 show the following ATO salary bands:
| APS Level | Salary Range (AUD) | Role Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| APS 1 | $50,500 – $56,500 | Entry clerical or registry support |
| APS 2 | $56,000 – $63,000 | Customer service, intake, or records work |
| APS 3 | $63,000 – $70,500 | Compliance assistant, HR admin, program support |
| APS 4 | $70,000 – $79,000 | Technical liaison, reporting, junior policy support |
| APS 5 | $78,000 – $89,000 | Business analyst, senior admin or project coordination |
| APS 6 | $90,000 – $98,500 | Policy analyst, compliance lead, regional team leader |
Regional offices and remote postings may offer slightly higher allowances based on cost of living.
Common ATO Roles at Each APS Level and Associated Responsibilities
APS 1
Typical roles include mailroom assistant, registry clerk, and administrative support. Tasks focus on data input, document sorting, and internal correspondence. Most new APS employees begin here, often moving to APS 2 after 12–18 months.
APS 2
Roles cover public-facing duties: customer service officer, intake clerk, or records clerk. These positions involve stakeholder interaction, verifying documents, and using ATO systems to process enquiries. Performance and demonstrated capability can lead to progression to APS 3 in under two years.
APS 3
Titles such as compliance assistant, program support officer, or HR services coordinator are common. These positions support policy and compliance functions—managing data, liaising with internal teams, and handling basic operational decisions.
APS 4
Includes policy support officers, technical operations staff, and systems support coordinators. APS 4 roles involve preparing reports, assisting with compliance initiatives, and mentoring junior employees.
APS 5
Involves senior administration officers, business analysts, or project specialists. Responsibilities often include managing cross-team programs, conducting policy reviews, and coordinating stakeholder engagement.
APS 6
Senior roles like policy analyst, compliance project lead, or regional team supervisor. Staff in APS 6 deliver strategic advice, lead risk assessments, and coordinate complex compliance or client-facing activities.
ATO Salary Influencers: Allowances and Location
Allowance and contractual factors can influence total compensation at ATO:
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Shift and Overtime Loading: Applied during call‑centre or extended working hours.
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Regional or Remote Allowance: For employees working in Tasmanian, remote, or offshore ATO offices.
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Acting Allowance (THDA): Employees temporarily acting in roles above their classification receive higher pay.
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Language or Cultural Proficiency Incentive: For roles involving multilingual community service.
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Skill-Based Allowance: For technical certifications in IT, data security, or compliance tools.
These extras can add 5–10% to base pay, especially in remote locations or for shift roles.
Career Progression at ATO: Moving Through APS Levels
Progression in ATO is anchored through annual reviews, performance-based increments, and internal recruitment processes:
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Entry-level staff can move from APS 1 to APS 3 within two to three years.
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Internal promotion pools and graduate streams accelerate entry into APS 3 or APS 4.
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Leadership development and training programs support transition from APS 4 to APS 5 or APS 6.
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Demonstrated performance, proactive role applications, and mentoring help employees reach APS 5/6 within four to six years.
How to Secure an ATO Position at APS Levels 1–6 (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Register on APSJobs.gov.au and set up tailored alerts for ATO vacancies.
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Filter positions by APS Level and refine by location and function.
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Read each job advertisement’s selection criteria and successful characteristics.
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Craft your application using quantitative examples that align with required capabilities.
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Prepare for the selection interview using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses.
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Submit required documents including academic transcripts, ID, and working rights proof.
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Once shortlisted, participate in online assessments or additional interviews as requested.
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Accept the offer, attend onboarding sessions, and consult internal career development materials to plan your next steps.
Summary Table: ATO APS Level 1–6 Salary Bands and Sample Roles
| APS Level | Example Roles | Salary Range (AUD) | Potential Allowances |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS 1 | Registry or Mailroom Support | $50,500–56,500 | N/A |
| APS 2 | Customer Service Officer | $56,000–63,000 | Shift loading |
| APS 3 | Compliance Assistant | $63,000–70,500 | Regional allowance |
| APS 4 | Technical Liaison Officer | $70,000–79,000 | Skill-based incentive |
| APS 5 | Business Analyst or Project Support | $78,000–89,000 | THDA, professional learning |
| APS 6 | Policy Analyst, Team Lead | $90,000–98,500 | Acting allowance, leadership pay |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are ATO salaries open to negotiation? No. ATO salaries follow APS enterprise agreements. However, applicable allowances may vary by location or function.
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Can non‑citizens apply for APS positions? Most positions require Australian citizenship or permanent residency, particularly in policy and compliance.
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Is overtime paid at the ATO? Yes, shift loadings apply especially in customer-facing or after-hours roles.
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Does relocation help exist for ATO candidates? Occasionally offered for interstate roles, especially at APS 5 or APS 6.
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How long to move from APS 1 to APS 6? Typically 5–7 years for high performers, depending on role availability and internal progression.
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Are graduate programs offered at ATO? Yes, ATO graduate streams often begin at APS 3 or APS 4 level.
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Can I transfer into ATO from another department? Yes, lateral transfers are possible if you meet selection criteria.
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Does ATO support flexible work arrangements? Indeed, many positions now allow hybrid, part-time, or flexible schedules.
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What skills help accelerate progression at ATO? Data compliance, policy analysis, stakeholder communication, and digital systems knowledge are valued.
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Are cash bonuses available at ATO? No. All compensation follows structured pay bands and internal agreements.