Many Australians considering a career in national security or intelligence want to know: How much do you earn working at the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)? This in-depth guide explains the ACIC salary structure by role, providing clear details, breakdowns, and everything you need to know in 2025.
Whether you're a student planning a future in intelligence, a career changer, or just curious about pay levels at Australia’s premier criminal intelligence agency, this article will answer your questions.
What is the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)?
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) is the national agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and sharing criminal intelligence across the country. Its focus includes organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and national security threats.
ACIC officers work in specialized roles such as:
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Intelligence analysis
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Digital forensics
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Cybercrime tracking
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Strategic threat assessments
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Support and administrative services
Because of the sensitive nature of ACIC’s work, salaries tend to be competitive, reflecting the responsibility and security clearances required.
ACIC Salary Structure Overview in 2025
ACIC salaries are based on Australian Public Service (APS) classification levels, similar to other federal agencies like the AFP or ASIO. However, ACIC staff may receive additional allowances, including:
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Security clearance bonuses
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Specialist duty allowances
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Overtime pay
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Remote area support (for certain postings)
Key Classification Levels
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APS Level 3 to 6: Entry-level to experienced officer roles
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EL1 & EL2 (Executive Level): Middle and senior management
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SES (Senior Executive Service): High-level leadership
ACIC Entry-Level Roles and Salary (APS Level 3–4)
These are roles for new graduates or candidates with minimal experience in intelligence or government work.
APS 3 (e.g., Administrative Support Officer)
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Salary Range: AUD 62,000 – AUD 69,000
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Common Roles: Records officer, office assistant, data entry
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Eligibility: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent, some clerical experience
APS 4 (e.g., Intelligence Analyst – Junior)
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Salary Range: AUD 70,000 – AUD 80,000
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Duties: Assisting senior analysts, basic intelligence gathering, data research
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Eligibility: Degree in Criminology, IT, or Security Studies is often preferred
Mid-Level ACIC Roles and Salary (APS Level 5–6)
At these levels, officers take on more independent responsibilities and contribute significantly to major investigations and intelligence operations.
APS 5 (e.g., Technical Analyst, Digital Surveillance)
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Salary Range: AUD 82,000 – AUD 94,000
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Tasks: Monitoring communications, analyzing technical evidence
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Requirements: 2–3 years experience in IT or intelligence
APS 6 (e.g., Senior Intelligence Analyst)
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Salary Range: AUD 95,000 – AUD 110,000
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Key Roles: Leading investigations, writing national intelligence reports, mentoring juniors
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Clearance: Must hold a Negative Vetting Level 1 or higher
Executive Level ACIC Roles and Salary (EL1 – EL2)
Executive level officers supervise teams, design operations, and collaborate with law enforcement or foreign intelligence.
EL1 (e.g., Intelligence Team Leader)
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Salary Range: AUD 113,000 – AUD 135,000
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Functions: Managing projects, supervising analysts, policy contribution
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Eligibility: Years of experience in national security, advanced degrees preferred
EL2 (e.g., Director of Intelligence Operations)
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Salary Range: AUD 138,000 – AUD 170,000
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Responsibilities: Setting intelligence priorities, high-level coordination with agencies like AFP or ASIO
Senior Executive Service (SES) Salary at ACIC
Top roles like Assistant Commissioners, National Security Directors, and Agency Heads fall under the SES Band 1–3 levels.
SES Band 1
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Salary: AUD 190,000 – AUD 220,000
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Example Role: Assistant Commissioner of Intelligence Operations
SES Band 2
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Salary: AUD 230,000 – AUD 270,000
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Example Role: Deputy CEO, ACIC
SES Band 3 (CEO/Director-General)
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Salary: AUD 280,000 – AUD 340,000
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Role: Leads ACIC nationally, reports to the Minister for Home Affairs
Allowances and Benefits for ACIC Officers
In addition to base salary, ACIC employees may receive:
1. Security Clearance Allowance
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Ranges from AUD 1,500 – AUD 5,000 annually
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Higher clearance levels (NV1 or NV2) attract more pay
2. Overtime and On-Call Pay
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Particularly for cyber analysts or surveillance officers
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Can add 10–15% to annual income
3. Relocation or Regional Posting Allowances
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Officers stationed outside major cities may receive cost-of-living bonuses
4. Training and Education Subsidies
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Financial support for further studies in intelligence, criminology, or cyber security
Summary Table: ACIC Salary Structure by Role (2025)
| Role / Level | Salary Range (AUD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| APS 3 – Admin Officer | $62,000 – $69,000 | Entry clerical roles |
| APS 4 – Junior Intelligence Analyst | $70,000 – $80,000 | Assists in research, data collation |
| APS 5 – Tech Analyst | $82,000 – $94,000 | Technical data, surveillance support |
| APS 6 – Senior Intelligence Analyst | $95,000 – $110,000 | Leads analytical work, drafts reports |
| EL1 – Team Leader | $113,000 – $135,000 | Supervises teams, manages projects |
| EL2 – Director | $138,000 – $170,000 | Senior management, operations oversight |
| SES Band 1 – Assistant Commissioner | $190,000 – $220,000 | High-level leadership |
| SES Band 2 – Deputy CEO | $230,000 – $270,000 | Strategic oversight |
| SES Band 3 – CEO | $280,000 – $340,000 | Executive head of the agency |
Career Progression at ACIC
Internal Promotions
Many staff move from APS levels to executive levels over time with good performance and training.
Lateral Transfers
ACIC often collaborates with the AFP, ASIO, and Home Affairs — meaning employees can laterally move or take secondments into these organizations.
How ACIC Salaries Compare to Other Agencies
| Agency | Average Salary for Analysts (AUD) |
|---|---|
| ACIC | $95,000 – $110,000 |
| AFP | $90,000 – $105,000 |
| ASIO | $100,000 – $115,000 |
| Border Force | $82,000 – $100,000 |
ACIC salaries are generally competitive, especially at EL levels, though ASIO often pays slightly higher due to its covert nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get a job with the ACIC?
You must apply through the APSJobs website. Most roles require a clean background check, a degree in criminology or related fields, and an Australian citizenship.
2. Do ACIC officers carry guns?
No, ACIC staff are not law enforcement officers. They work in intelligence and analysis. AFP officers handle armed operations.
3. What degree is best for ACIC careers?
Degrees in Criminology, Cybersecurity, Intelligence Studies, IT, or International Relations are preferred.
4. Does ACIC offer internships or graduate programs?
Yes, but they are limited. Graduate intakes are highly competitive and often occur yearly for APS 4 roles.
5. Is security clearance mandatory?
Yes. All ACIC staff require at least a Baseline or NV1 clearance due to the classified nature of their work.
6. What is the highest-paid job in ACIC?
The CEO or Director-General earns the highest, with a salary above AUD 300,000 annually.
7. Can I work for ACIC remotely?
Only some roles support hybrid or remote work. Due to security protocols, most intelligence roles are office-based.
8. Are ACIC salaries taxed?
Yes. Like other federal jobs, salaries are subject to standard Australian income tax rates.
9. Is ACIC hiring now?
Vacancies change regularly. Check the APSJobs.gov.au website for updates.
10. Do ACIC officers get hazard pay?
Not usually. However, those working in high-risk analysis or field support may receive special allowances.
Conclusion
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission salary structure offers competitive pay across all roles, from junior intelligence officers to senior executives. Whether you're starting your career or looking to transition into intelligence, ACIC provides rewarding opportunities with strong pay, national importance, and long-term growth.
If you’re ready to work in one of Australia’s most critical intelligence agencies, now is the time to explore ACIC careers and find the role that fits your qualifications.