Australia's government sector remains one of the most reliable and lucrative career paths, offering not only job security but also some of the best salaries in the nation. With the cost of living on the rise and many Australians rethinking their career trajectories, landing a high-paying government job is a top priority for skilled professionals.
This article dives deep into the Top 15 Highest Paying Government Jobs in Australia for 2025, ranking them by average salary, benefits, and long-term career potential. Whether you’re a new graduate, a mid-level professional, or considering a career switch, this guide will help you identify which roles are worth targeting and how to position yourself for them.
1. Judges and Magistrates
Judges and magistrates are at the top of the government pay scale due to the enormous responsibility they carry in interpreting and enforcing laws.
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Average Salary: AUD 350,000 – AUD 480,000 per year
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Role Overview: These professionals preside over court proceedings, make legal rulings, and issue judgments in both civil and criminal cases.
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How to Qualify: Requires a law degree, extensive legal experience (often 10+ years), and appointment by a state or federal authority.
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Why It Pays Well: The role demands impartiality, high-level decision-making, and legal expertise that few can match.
2. Australian Federal Police Commissioner
The AFP Commissioner leads one of the most critical law enforcement agencies in Australia.
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Average Salary: AUD 700,000+ including bonuses and entitlements
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Role Overview: Oversees federal policing operations including counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime.
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How to Qualify: Extensive experience in law enforcement, strategic leadership roles, and security clearance.
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Special Perks: Executive bonuses, government-funded travel, housing, and security.
3. Department Secretaries (Federal Level)
Department secretaries are the highest-ranking public servants in federal government departments.
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Average Salary: AUD 600,000 – AUD 900,000 per year
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Role Overview: They oversee entire federal departments like Health, Finance, or Defence, providing policy advice and managing vast budgets.
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Required Background: Usually career public servants with decades of experience and a strong track record in governance.
4. Chief Medical Officer
This is a senior advisory role focused on public health and national medical strategy.
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Average Salary: AUD 550,000+ annually
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Duties: Advising government on health emergencies (e.g., pandemics), vaccination policies, and hospital infrastructure.
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Eligibility: Medical degree, years of clinical and policy experience, and national-level reputation in health.
5. Chief Scientist of Australia
The Chief Scientist plays a key role in shaping science policy and innovation strategy.
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Average Salary: AUD 500,000 – AUD 550,000
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Core Responsibilities: Providing scientific advice to the government, leading research initiatives, and advocating for STEM.
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Qualification Path: PhD-level education, global research experience, and government advisory roles.
6. Australian Public Service Commissioners
They oversee the integrity, ethics, and professional standards of public service.
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Average Salary: AUD 470,000+
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Scope of Work: Managing reforms, workforce standards, and performance evaluation in public sector agencies.
7. Surgeons and Specialist Doctors in Public Hospitals
While many doctors work in private practice, those employed in government hospitals still earn handsomely.
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Average Salary: AUD 350,000 – AUD 500,000
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Role Type: Surgeons, anesthetists, psychiatrists, and other specialists under public healthcare.
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Qualification Path: Medical degree, specialist training, and registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
8. Ambassadors and High Commissioners
These roles represent Australia internationally and are compensated accordingly.
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Average Salary: AUD 300,000 – AUD 500,000 (plus diplomatic benefits)
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Perks: Housing allowance, security, travel, and foreign posting incentives.
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Eligibility: High-level diplomatic experience and government service record.
9. Air Traffic Controllers (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
These specialists ensure the safety of air travel within Australian airspace.
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Average Salary: AUD 200,000 – AUD 400,000
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Key Duties: Managing aircraft movements, issuing clearances, and preventing collisions.
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Entry Requirements: ATC training, CASA certification, and ongoing assessment.
10. Senior Economists and Financial Analysts
Working within Treasury, Finance, or Reserve Bank roles, these professionals influence economic policy.
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Average Salary: AUD 250,000 – AUD 400,000
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Duties: Policy modeling, economic forecasting, and fiscal planning.
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Qualification Path: Degree in economics, finance, or mathematics, and advanced data modeling skills.
11. Senior Legal Counsels (Government Departments)
These are legal experts providing advice on legislation, contracts, and government litigation.
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Average Salary: AUD 220,000 – AUD 370,000
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Key Responsibilities: Drafting legal opinions, supporting government negotiations, and appearing in tribunals.
12. Senior Defence Personnel (Military Generals & Air Marshals)
Top-level roles in the Australian Defence Force carry high pay and honor.
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Average Salary: AUD 250,000 – AUD 370,000
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Benefits: Housing, travel, pension, and retirement benefits.
13. Senior ICT Executives in Government
They oversee cybersecurity, data systems, and national IT infrastructure.
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Average Salary: AUD 200,000 – AUD 350,000
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Example Roles: Chief Information Officers in Defence, Home Affairs, or Services Australia.
14. Commissioners (e.g., Human Rights, Privacy, Anti-Corruption)
These officials head critical independent agencies ensuring oversight and accountability.
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Average Salary: AUD 250,000 – AUD 340,000
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Key Areas: Investigations, compliance, public inquiries, and regulatory enforcement.
15. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Senior Executives
The ATO manages tax policy, collection, and corporate compliance.
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Average Salary: AUD 220,000 – AUD 330,000
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Top Roles: Chief Tax Counsel, General Managers, or Directors.
Summary Table: Top 15 Highest Paying Government Jobs in Australia (2025)
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal Court Judges | 350,000 – 480,000 |
| 2 | AFP Commissioner | 700,000+ |
| 3 | Department Secretaries | 600,000 – 900,000 |
| 4 | Chief Medical Officer | 550,000+ |
| 5 | Chief Scientist | 500,000 – 550,000 |
| 6 | Public Service Commissioners | 470,000+ |
| 7 | Surgeons in Public Hospitals | 350,000 – 500,000 |
| 8 | Ambassadors & High Commissioners | 300,000 – 500,000 |
| 9 | Air Traffic Controllers | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| 10 | Senior Economists & Analysts | 250,000 – 400,000 |
| 11 | Senior Legal Counsels | 220,000 – 370,000 |
| 12 | Senior Defence Officers | 250,000 – 370,000 |
| 13 | Government ICT Executives | 200,000 – 350,000 |
| 14 | Commissioners (Oversight Roles) | 250,000 – 340,000 |
| 15 | ATO Senior Executives | 220,000 – 330,000 |
How to Qualify for High-Paying Government Jobs in Australia
To qualify for top-paying roles, you generally need:
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Educational Credentials: University degrees or advanced qualifications (PhDs, law, or medical degrees).
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Years of Experience: Many top roles require 10–20 years in related fields or civil service.
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Specialized Skills: Legal, scientific, military, policy, or technological expertise.
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Clearances: High-security or diplomatic clearance, especially for defence and intelligence roles.
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Public Sector Reputation: Proven track record within government or public service roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best government job in Australia in 2025?
The best-paying and most prestigious roles include Federal Judges, Department Secretaries, and the AFP Commissioner.
Can foreigners apply for Australian government jobs?
Most high-level jobs require citizenship. However, some contract or specialist roles may be open to permanent residents or international experts.
Are government jobs in Australia secure?
Yes, they are among the most secure jobs, offering long-term stability, pensions, and strong employee protections.
How do I prepare for a government career?
Start with a relevant degree, apply for internships or entry-level APS roles, and work your way up through public service channels.
Do public hospital doctors in Australia earn well?
Yes. Public sector specialists earn up to AUD 500,000, with bonuses for overtime, research, and seniority.
Which government department pays the most?
Departments like Finance, Defence, and Prime Minister & Cabinet often offer the highest salaries at executive levels.
Are high-paying government jobs competitive?
Extremely. You’ll need the right mix of qualifications, experience, and networking within the public service.
What is the salary of an Australian diplomat?
Ambassadors can earn up to AUD 500,000, plus diplomatic housing, travel, and other benefits.
Final Thoughts
Landing one of the highest paying government jobs in Australia requires a mix of education, experience, and strategy. Whether you aim to become a senior public servant, a judge, or a top medical officer, the rewards go beyond salary — they include influence, impact, and long-term career security.
Now that you know the top earners in 2025, start positioning yourself early with the right qualifications and career choices. Australia’s public sector is rich with opportunity — and you could be next in line.