What exactly do Australian government employees earn — especially those working at the heart of decision-making in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C)?
This is one of the most frequently searched government salary topics in Australia. From policy officers and analysts to senior executive staff and advisors, PM&C houses some of the most influential civil servants in the country. Knowing their pay structure gives us insight not just into government operations, but also into the level of compensation that comes with public service leadership.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 2025 PM&C staff salary structure including classifications, pay levels, benefits, and how it compares to other departments. Whether you’re a job seeker, researcher, public sector enthusiast, or simply curious about how much policy shapers earn, this article covers everything you need to know.
Understanding the Prime Minister and Cabinet Salary Classification Structure
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet operates under a structured public service classification system. Salaries are determined by Australian Public Service (APS) levels, ranging from APS1 (entry-level) to SES Band 3 (senior executive).
Here’s a breakdown of the main classifications in 2025:
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APS Levels (APS1–APS6): These are non-executive roles that handle day-to-day administrative, technical, and policy-related tasks.
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Executive Level (EL1–EL2): Mid-level to senior professionals who manage teams, oversee projects, or lead policy initiatives.
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Senior Executive Service (SES1–SES3): Top-tier decision-makers responsible for strategic leadership and national initiatives.
The classification system ensures consistency in pay across the public service, but base salaries may be enhanced by loadings, allowances, or bonuses, especially for specialist or critical positions.
PM&C APS-Level Salaries in 2025 (APS1 – APS6)
APS roles are typically filled by early-career professionals, analysts, assistants, and administrative officers.
APS1 – APS3: Entry-Level Positions
These are roles suitable for recent graduates or those beginning their career in the public service.
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APS1 Salary Range: AUD 52,800 – AUD 58,000 per year
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APS2 Salary Range: AUD 58,000 – AUD 64,200 per year
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APS3 Salary Range: AUD 64,300 – AUD 72,800 per year
These positions often involve clerical, customer service, or basic technical support responsibilities.
APS4 – APS6: Technical and Policy-Focused Roles
Mid-level roles typically involve research, policy implementation, and more specialized tasks.
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APS4 Salary Range: AUD 72,900 – AUD 84,500
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APS5 Salary Range: AUD 84,600 – AUD 95,800
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APS6 Salary Range: AUD 95,900 – AUD 108,600
These employees work on complex programs, manage junior staff, and may engage in policy development and operational analysis.
Executive Level Salaries in 2025 (EL1 – EL2)
PM&C Executive Level employees have more autonomy and responsibilities, often leading large projects or managing strategic initiatives.
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EL1 Salary Range: AUD 115,000 – AUD 132,800
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EL2 Salary Range: AUD 132,900 – AUD 159,800
These positions demand leadership skills, strong policy knowledge, and a deeper understanding of intergovernmental affairs.
Many EL employees also qualify for performance bonuses or flexible work arrangements.
Senior Executive Service (SES) Pay in 2025
SES roles are among the most prestigious and well-compensated positions in the Australian Public Service.
SES Band 1:
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Salary Range: AUD 181,000 – AUD 225,000
Typically responsible for large divisions or key programs within the department.
SES Band 2:
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Salary Range: AUD 240,000 – AUD 289,000
Often second-in-command within the agency, Band 2 executives shape major policy decisions and stakeholder relationships.
SES Band 3 (Secretary and Deputy Secretaries):
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Salary Range: AUD 300,000 – AUD 574,000+
This includes the Secretary of PM&C, who acts as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It is the highest-ranking civil servant position in Australia.
Allowances and Benefits for PM&C Staff
Beyond base salaries, PM&C employees enjoy a range of benefits:
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Superannuation Contributions (15.4%): Mandatory employer contributions increase total compensation significantly.
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Flexible Working Conditions: Many employees benefit from hybrid schedules or compressed working weeks.
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Performance Bonuses: Offered primarily to EL and SES staff based on achievement of KPIs.
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Paid Leave: Annual leave (4 weeks), personal leave, parental leave, and ceremonial leave entitlements.
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Relocation and Travel Allowances: Available for employees assigned to interstate or international duties.
Comparison with Other Australian Government Agencies
While PM&C offers competitive salaries, how does it compare to departments like:
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Department of Defence: Slightly higher for technical roles (e.g. engineers or cyber roles).
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Treasury: Comparable at APS and EL levels, with higher bonuses at SES.
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Home Affairs: Higher field allowances but lower office-based APS salary averages.
In general, PM&C stands out for offering structured leadership paths, policy influence, and excellent work-life balance.
How to Join PM&C: Application and Recruitment Guide
Interested in working at PM&C? Here’s how to start:
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Visit APS Jobs Portal: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au for open vacancies.
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Tailor Your Resume: Align your experience with the APS work level standards.
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Respond to Selection Criteria: Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to address each one.
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Prepare for Behavioral Interviews: PM&C recruitment emphasizes values and performance.
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Security Clearance: Roles may require baseline to top-secret clearance.
Recruitment can take 6–12 weeks, so patience and preparation are key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a policy officer at PM&C earn in 2025?
Depending on classification, between AUD 84,000 (APS5) to AUD 132,000 (EL1).
2. Are PM&C salaries negotiable?
No, salaries are determined by enterprise agreements and classification level, though performance bonuses exist.
3. Do PM&C employees pay tax?
Yes, like all Australian workers, public servants are subject to income tax based on standard ATO rates.
4. Is there job security in PM&C?
Yes. As a public sector agency, PM&C offers strong job security, especially for permanent roles.
5. Do they offer internships or graduate programs?
Yes, the PM&C Graduate Program is one of the most prestigious in the APS, open annually.
6. What is the highest salary in PM&C in 2025?
The Secretary of the Department can earn over AUD 574,000 annually.
7. Can employees work remotely?
Yes, many PM&C staff work under flexible arrangements, including hybrid models.
8. How often do pay increases occur?
Annual increments based on performance and enterprise agreement provisions.
9. Is experience required for APS3 roles?
Not necessarily. These are entry-level positions, suitable for recent grads or those with transferable skills.
10. Are promotions automatic?
No. Employees must apply for higher roles through competitive selection processes.
Summary Table: PM&C Salary Ranges in 2025
| Classification Level | Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| APS1 | 52,800 – 58,000 |
| APS2 | 58,000 – 64,200 |
| APS3 | 64,300 – 72,800 |
| APS4 | 72,900 – 84,500 |
| APS5 | 84,600 – 95,800 |
| APS6 | 95,900 – 108,600 |
| EL1 | 115,000 – 132,800 |
| EL2 | 132,900 – 159,800 |
| SES Band 1 | 181,000 – 225,000 |
| SES Band 2 | 240,000 – 289,000 |
| SES Band 3 | 300,000 – 574,000+ |
Final Thoughts
Working in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet not only offers a rewarding career shaping national policy but also provides a structured and competitive salary system. In 2025, PM&C continues to lead as one of the most prestigious government departments in terms of pay, stability, and growth opportunities.
Whether you’re considering a public service career or conducting research, this guide gives you a comprehensive view of what PM&C staff earn, how roles are structured, and what benefits come with them.
Ready to take the first step toward a role in Australia's most influential department? Start preparing today.