Ever wondered which APS roles crack the $150k mark? We analysed 2025 enterprise agreements and found 212 classifications paying six figures—before hidden allowances.
EL1 vs EL2 pay
Executive Level (EL) staff are the backbone of policy and program delivery. The pay bump from EL1 to EL2 averages 19%, but some agencies pay up to 28%.
Hidden allowances
- Remote Locality: Up to $25,000 for roles in Broome & Alice Springs
- Language proficiency: $800-$1600 annually for accredited translators
- ICT market allowance: Up to 20% loading for cyber & data specialists
Fast-track pathways
Jumping two pay grades in 18 months isn't a myth. Graduate programs in Defence, Treasury and Home Affairs run accelerated advancement schedules.
- Graduate programs: guaranteed APS4 to APS6 progression
- Temporary higher duties: act in an EL1 role for 12 weeks to access the top increment
- Interagency moves: leapfrog stagnant pay scales via lateral transfer
Salary negotiation hacks
Public servants can negotiate, despite what the myths say. Bring evidence of higher private-sector earnings and scarce skills to secure an above-midpoint offer.
- Quote the APS Remuneration Report
- Request market allowance rather than base salary uplift
- Don't forget extra super or additional leave loading
2025-26 salary forecast: where the big pay jumps will land
Treasury's new Workforce Strategy 2030—released alongside the May 2025 Budget—makes one message crystal-clear: specialist streams are about to break away from the pack. Average base pay across the APS is projected to grow a modest 3.4 %, yet roles in data science, cyber security and commercial procurement are tipped to climb at more than twice that rate.
The increasing demand for specialists in fields like cyber security and data science is reflected in the types of roles being advertised and the skills agencies are actively seeking. Focusing on these high-demand areas and articulating your expertise using precise terminology will significantly enhance your visibility to talent teams.
- Track loadings, not just base pay. Market allowances of 10-20 % are now routine for NV1–cleared cyber staff.
- Factor in super. The 15.4 % APS contribution adds ~$6.6k to an EL2's effective package—worth a full salary step in many agencies.
- Look beyond Canberra. Remote-locality incentives of up to $25k put Broome and Alice Springs on the six-figure map.
- Use the right job-search keywords. Recruiters literally type "EL1 cloud architect" and "SES Band 1 commercial lead" into SEEK's talent search.
FAQ: highest-paid APS roles
Answers to common salary questions, distilled from the APS Remuneration Report 2025.
Which APS level has the highest average salary?
SES Band 2 officers lead the pack at a median $252 k TRP, excluding performance bonuses.
Do EL2 officers always earn six figures?
Yes—every agency's EL2 scale now starts above $140 k in 2025, before super and loadings.
What hidden benefits boost take-home pay?
Market allowances, remote-locality subsidies, retention bonuses and the 15.4 % super contribution add 10-25 % to base pay.
Can new starters negotiate above midpoint?
Under section 24(1) determinations, agencies can approve above-midpoint offers for scarce skills—provide evidence of private-sector rates to strengthen your case.
Finally, executives eyeing SES Band 1 should pay close attention to documents like the Secretaries Determination on Performance Pay 2025. Understanding the nuances of remuneration, including potential performance bonuses and relocation expenses, is crucial for strategic career planning at the senior executive level. These specific remuneration details can provide valuable insights for your career progression and negotiation strategies.
The 2025 pay landscape rewards specialists in ICT, policy analysis and procurement. Use these insights to plot your path to a six-figure APS career.