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Public Sector Alignment Guide

Government Job Classification Equivalents

Understand Your Level. Target Your Next Promotion.

Use our alignment tables below to understand how work values compare across the APS, State, and Territory governments. Then, stop leaving money on the table and let our ex-hiring managers coach you into your next higher-paying role.

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Main Classification Alignment

This table provides an approximate alignment for work value and seniority between the Australian Public Service (APS) and major state/territory governments.

Crucial Context: No direct 1:1 alignment exists.

This table represents the closest approximate comparison for work value and seniority. Responsibilities, team size, leadership expectations, and pay can vary significantly between jurisdictions, even at "equivalent" levels. Always check the specific position description.

Federal (APS) Victoria (VPS) NSW Gov Queensland ACT (ACTPS)
APS 3 VPS Grade 2 Clerk Grade 3/4 AO3 ASO 3
APS 4 VPS Grade 3 Clerk Grade 3/4 AO4 ASO 4
APS 5 VPS Grade 3 / 4 Clerk Grade 5/6 AO5 ASO 5
APS 6 VPS Grade 4 / 5 Clerk Grade 7/8 AO6 ASO 6
EL 1 VPS Grade 5 / 6 Clerk Grade 9/10 AO7 SOG C
EL 2 VPS Grade 6 Clerk Grade 11/12 AO8 SOG B
SES Band 1 VPS Exec (Band 1) PSSE Band 1 SES 1 Exec Level 1.1-1.4
SES Band 2 VPS Exec (Band 2) PSSE Band 2 SES 2 / SES 3 Exec Level 2.1-2.4
SES Band 3 VPS Exec (Band 3) PSSE Band 3 / 4 SES 4 / CEO Exec Level 3.1-3.4

Other States & Territories

Federal (APS) South Australia Western Australia Tasmania Northern Territory
APS 3 ASO 3 Level 2 Band 2 / 3 AO3
APS 4 ASO 4 Level 3 Band 3 AO4
APS 5 ASO 5 Level 4 Band 4 AO5
APS 6 ASO 6 Level 5 Band 5 AO6
EL 1 ASO 7 Level 6 Band 6 AO7 (SAO1)
EL 2 ASO 8 Level 7 / 8 Band 7 AO8 (SAO2)

Important Structural Notes

  • Titles vs. Level Do not be confused by titles. An "Assistant Director" in the APS is typically an EL1. A "Director" in the ACTPS (SOG-B) is equivalent to an APS EL2. A "Director" in NSW is often an executive-level role (PSSE Band 1), equivalent to an APS SES Band 1.
  • Pay vs. Work Value Pay is not a reliable guide. Jurisdictions like NSW and Victoria often have higher base salaries for equivalent work-value levels than the APS, as they are governed by different enterprise agreements.
  • Broadbanding Structures NSW & QLD use broader "Clerk" or "AO" grades that often span two APS levels (e.g., Clerk Grade 3/4). ACT & SA use an "ASO" structure that closely mirrors the APS 1-6 levels.
  • Management Expectations The transition to management is inconsistent. An APS 6 can be a senior technical expert with no direct reports, while a visually lower VPS 5 or NSW 7/8 is often managing a team.

The True Cost of Missing Your Promotion

Now that you know your equivalent level, consider the math: A promotion from an APS5 to an APS6, or an AO6 to an AO7, typically comes with a $15,000 to $25,000+ salary increase per year, plus higher superannuation.

Missing out on that role because of a nervous interview or generic STAR examples doesn't just cost you today—it costs you tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your career.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an APS 6 the same as a VPS 6?

No, they are different. An APS 6 is approximately equivalent to a VPS Grade 4 or Grade 5. A VPS Grade 6 is a higher classification, closer in work value to an APS EL 1 or even EL 2, and often holds significant management or strategic responsibilities.

What is an EL 1 equivalent in NSW Government?

An APS EL 1 (Executive Level 1) is approximately equivalent to a NSW Government Clerk Grade 9/10. This is typically the first level of management or a role requiring high-level specialist expertise within the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework.

Why are the salaries different for equivalent levels?

Salaries are determined by different enterprise agreements (EAs) or awards for each jurisdiction. Pay is not a reliable guide for work value. For example, NSW and Victorian governments often have higher base pay rates for roles with equivalent work value to the Federal APS.

What does 'SOG C' mean in the ACT Public Service?

'SOG C' stands for 'Senior Officer Grade C'. This is the first executive-level classification in the ACTPS and is the direct equivalent of the APS EL 1 level.

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