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2026 Public Sector Pay Guide

Government Salary Comparison Guide

Indicative mid-2026 public sector pay ranges for APS, NSW, Victoria and Queensland roles. Use this as a practical benchmark when moving between Federal, State and Local Government opportunities.

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Indicative Salary Ranges

Approximate base salary ranges as at June 2026. Use this table as a guide only because enterprise agreements, agency arrangements and allowances vary.

Important Context: Pay is not the same as work value.

Two roles can look similar on salary but differ in responsibility, delegation, span of control, policy complexity, management expectations and interview requirements. Always check the current enterprise agreement and the specific position description before making a career decision.

Role Level APS / Federal NSW Government Victoria / VPS Queensland / AO
Entry $74k - $82k APS 3-4 $75k - $87k Clerk Grade 1-3 $62k - $81k VPS Grade 1-2 $59k - $78k AO Level 1-2
Mid-Level $93k - $111k APS 5-6 $99k - $110k Clerk Grade 5-6 $81k - $116k VPS Grade 3-4 $80k - $94k AO Level 3-4
Senior $127k - $157k APS 6 / EL 1 $113k - $125k Clerk Grade 7-8 $116k - $140k VPS Grade 5 $94k - $116k AO Level 4-5
Leadership $167k - $192k EL 2 $129k - $142k Clerk Grade 9-10 $142k - $191k VPS Grade 6 $122k - $147k AO Level 6-7
Executive $188k+ SES Band 1 $149k - $173k Clerk Grade 11-12 $193k+ VPS Grade 7 / Exec $152k - $164k AO Level 8

How To Use This Pay Data

  • Benchmark, Don't Assume Pay ranges are useful for shortlisting opportunities, but they do not automatically prove classification equivalence.
  • Map Work Value First Compare decision-making responsibility, policy complexity, stakeholder seniority, staff management and delegation before comparing salary alone.
  • Adjust Interview Language Federal, State and Local Government panels often assess similar leadership behaviours but use different capability frameworks and language.

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Government Salary FAQs

Are APS and State Government salary levels directly equivalent?

No. APS, NSW, Victoria and Queensland each use different classification structures, enterprise agreements and role expectations. Treat salary as one comparison point, not a full equivalence test.

Why do some State Government roles pay more than APS roles?

Different jurisdictions bargain separately and can set different pay points, allowances and progression rules. A higher salary does not always mean a higher work-value role.

What should I check before applying across jurisdictions?

Check the position description, capability framework, selection criteria, salary band, superannuation, allowances, reporting line, staff management expectations and whether the role is operational, policy, regulatory or delivery focused.

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