Have you ever considered a career in border protection and wondered how much Australian Border Force (ABF) officers actually earn? If you're thinking about joining this elite security agency or simply researching government salaries in Australia , you're in the right place.
Australia’s national security relies on the Border Force, a crucial arm of the Department of Home Affairs. Officers in the ABF play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s borders, managing immigration and customs, and ensuring national safety. But what is the real earning potential of an ABF officer in 2025?
This article provides a complete breakdown of the Australian Border Force officer salary structure by level and region in 2025. We’ll cover how pay is structured, progression opportunities, regional pay differences, and allowances. By the end, you’ll understand how ABF compensation works and whether it’s a rewarding career path financially.
Overview of the Australian Border Force Salary Structure
The Australian Border Force (ABF) follows a structured salary system based on the Australian Public Service (APS) classification levels, which range from APS Level 1 to Executive Level 2, and up to Senior Executive Service (SES) ranks.
ABF officers are employed under different classifications depending on their responsibilities, rank, and experience. Here's a simplified outline of how this system works:
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APS 3 to APS 6: Entry-level to mid-tier ABF officers
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Executive Level 1 (EL1) and Executive Level 2 (EL2): Supervisory and management positions
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Senior Executive Service (SES): High-ranking decision-makers and national coordinators
In addition to base salaries, ABF officers may receive allowances for shift work, regional duties, and operational deployments. These extras can significantly boost total compensation.
Let’s explore each classification in more detail.
APS Level 3–4: Entry-Level Border Force Officers
APS 3 (Recruit Trainee – Australian Border Force College)
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $63,000 – AUD $68,000
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Who Qualifies: New ABF recruits undergoing foundational training
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Typical Role: Learning operational procedures, legislation, and field exercises
After successful training at the ABF College, recruits transition to APS 4 level.
APS 4 (Graduate Officer or Field Trainee)
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $70,000 – AUD $78,000
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Duties: Working in passenger clearance, cargo inspection, or port operations
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Career Growth: After completing probation and performance assessments, officers can advance to APS 5 roles
APS 3 and 4 officers are usually frontline workers, stationed at airports, seaports, and border entry points.
APS Level 5–6: Operational Border Force Officers
APS 5 (Experienced Officer)
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $81,000 – AUD $89,000
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Responsibilities: Independent decision-making on complex border matters, investigating suspicious activities, leading junior staff
APS 5 officers often serve as team leads during routine border operations.
APS 6 (Senior Officer)
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $92,000 – AUD $105,000
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Duties: Supervising teams, making strategic enforcement decisions, managing field operations
APS 6 officers play key roles in managing immigration enforcement units and planning joint border operations.
Executive Level 1–2: Leadership and Management Roles
EL1 (Manager or Section Head)
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $115,000 – AUD $131,000
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Position Scope: Managing a regional team or specialist operational area (e.g., illegal drug interdiction, counter-terrorism)
This level introduces more leadership responsibilities, including policy application and project oversight.
EL2 (Senior Manager or Regional Commander)
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $139,000 – AUD $161,000
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Core Functions: Strategic management of ABF regions, performance reporting, executive decision-making
EL2 officers typically supervise large teams and liaise with other federal agencies.
SES Band 1–3: Senior Executive Leadership
SES Band 1
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $190,000 – AUD $215,000
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Position: Deputy Regional Commander, Head of Operations, etc.
SES Band 2
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $230,000 – AUD $260,000
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Duties: Overseeing nationwide border programs, advising the Minister for Home Affairs
SES Band 3
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Base Salary (2025): AUD $270,000 – AUD $310,000
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Example Role: Commissioner of the Australian Border Force
At this level, officers have nationwide oversight and policy influence.
Allowances and Overtime Compensation
ABF officers can receive substantial allowances on top of their base salary, including:
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Shift and Weekend Allowance: Up to 20% extra for irregular hours
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Remote or Regional Allowance: For postings in Northern Territory, Torres Strait, and remote Western Australia
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Operational Deployment Allowance: For participating in high-risk operations
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Uniform and Boot Allowance: Provided annually
On average, allowances can increase total compensation by 10%–25% depending on location and shift type.
Salary Differences by Region
Pay scales are standardized across the APS, but regional differences in cost of living and operational needs lead to variations in actual take-home pay. Officers deployed in remote or high-risk regions are typically eligible for higher allowances.
Example Regional Variations
| Region | Additional Allowances (Avg.) | Net Annual Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Standard | AUD $85,000 – $125,000 |
| Northern Territory | +15% – 25% Remote/Operational | AUD $95,000 – $135,000 |
| Western Australia (Pilbara, Kimberley) | +10% Hazard Pay | AUD $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Torres Strait | +20% Remote/Shift | AUD $100,000 – $140,000 |
These adjustments ensure ABF officers are fairly compensated for challenging postings.
Career Progression and Promotion Timeline
Promotion in the ABF is merit-based, relying on performance reviews, leadership capability, training, and available vacancies.
Typical timelines:
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APS 3 to APS 4: 6–12 months (after training)
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APS 4 to APS 5: 12–24 months
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APS 5 to APS 6: 2–3 years
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APS 6 to EL1 and beyond: Competitive, depends on leadership performance
Many officers spend 8–10 years advancing from entry-level to EL1 roles.
How to Join the Australian Border Force
Thinking of applying? Here’s how:
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Meet the Minimum Criteria: Australian citizenship, background check, medical and psychological assessment
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Apply Through APS Jobs Portal: Search for ABF trainee or graduate programs
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Complete the ABF College Training: A 12–24 week intensive program
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Pass Probation and Field Assessment: Start at APS 3 and move up
Those with military, policing, or customs experience may start at higher grades.
Summary Table: ABF Officer Salaries by Level (2025)
| Level | Role | Base Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| APS 3 | Trainee (ABF College) | $63,000 – $68,000 |
| APS 4 | Entry-Level Officer | $70,000 – $78,000 |
| APS 5 | Officer / Team Lead | $81,000 – $89,000 |
| APS 6 | Senior Officer | $92,000 – $105,000 |
| EL1 | Manager | $115,000 – $131,000 |
| EL2 | Senior Manager | $139,000 – $161,000 |
| SES 1 | Executive | $190,000 – $215,000 |
| SES 2 | National Director | $230,000 – $260,000 |
| SES 3 | Commissioner | $270,000 – $310,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a Border Force officer make in Australia per month?
Depending on level, salaries range from AUD $5,200 to over $25,000 per month, excluding allowances.
2. Do ABF officers carry guns?
Yes, trained ABF officers in specific roles are authorised to carry firearms.
3. Is Border Force part of the military?
No. It is a civilian law enforcement agency under the Department of Home Affairs.
4. What qualifications are needed to join ABF?
Minimum: Year 12 certificate, Australian citizenship, and successful security checks.
5. Are there any age restrictions?
There is no formal age limit, but you must pass fitness and psychological assessments.
6. Is the ABF job dangerous?
While not as dangerous as military combat, ABF officers face high-risk situations like drug seizures and smuggling enforcement.
7. Can you transfer within regions?
Yes. Officers can apply for internal postings in different regions based on operational needs.
8. Do Border Force officers travel internationally?
Some roles involve international operations, training, or collaboration with overseas border agencies.
9. How competitive is recruitment?
Highly competitive. Applicants must pass multiple assessments and screenings.
10. Can women join the Australian Border Force?
Absolutely. The ABF encourages gender diversity and equal opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Border Force offers one of the most structured and rewarding salary systems among Australian government agencies, especially for those who advance into leadership. With generous allowances, high-level training, and strong job security, ABF officers enjoy both career satisfaction and financial stability.
Whether you're just beginning your law enforcement journey or considering a mid-career switch, joining the ABF in 2025 could be a smart move — both professionally and financially.