Executive Level 1 & 2 Pay Guide
Remuneration packages, Director responsibilities, and flexible conditions for EL 1 & EL 2.
EL 1 Base (Min)
$120,750
EL 2 Base (Max)
$182,500
Employer Super
15.4%
Workforce Size
~45,000
The Executive Level (EL) Management Stream
The Executive Level (EL 1 and EL 2) stream represents the core management, specialized advisory, and leadership cohort of the Australian Public Service. With over 45,000 officers nationwide, EL employees bridge the gap between APSC strategic leadership (the Senior Executive Service) and the operational workforce (APS 1–6). They bear primary responsibility for program delivery, policy formulation, legislative drafting, and operational management.
Entering the EL cohort represents a major career transition. Unlike the APS 1–6 stream, which focuses on task execution and specialized support, EL officers are expected to exercise high-level strategic thinking, project management skills, financial oversight, and direct leadership of multi-disciplinary teams. Consequently, EL remuneration reflects this elevated work value.
EL 1 & EL 2 Salary Brackets
The table below lists base salary ranges for Executive Levels. Take-home estimations are calculated using current resident tax rates (including Medicare levy) based on the midpoint of the salary bands, assuming no HECS/HELP debt or salary sacrifice contributions:
| Level | Min Salary | Max Salary | Est. Take-Home (Fortnightly) | 15.4% Super (Midpoint) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL 1 | $120,750 | $143,200 | $3,775 | $20,324/yr |
| EL 2 | $150,800 | $182,500 | $4,597 | $25,664/yr |
Work Value & Leadership Mandates
EL 1 (Assistant Director / Director)
Salary Range: $120,750 – $143,200
EL 1 officers operate as Assistant Directors or section managers. They lead small teams, manage key projects, and provide policy advice. An EL 1 officer is expected to perform complex tasks under general direction, exercise considerable independence, and manage relationships with external stakeholders. They are also responsible for team development, assigning tasks, and monitoring outputs.
EL 2 (Director / Section Head)
Salary Range: $150,800 – $182,500
EL 2 is the senior management tier below the Senior Executive Service. EL 2 officers are responsible for section management, financial budgets, strategic planning, and risk management. They serve as primary advisers to the SES and Department Executives. EL 2 officers represent the agency at external forums, handle high-profile media/ministerial inquiries, and lead large teams.
Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs)
Because base pay ranges are fixed by Enterprise Agreements, agencies struggle to attract and retain specialized technical talent (e.g. data scientists, IT security specialists, legal counsel, and financial analysts) that commands higher salaries in the private sector.
To address this, agencies use Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs). An IFA allows an agency to pay a salary loading, offer additional allowances, or adjust work patterns for an individual officer. At the EL level, IFAs can increase base remuneration by 10% to 30%, bridging the gap between public and private sector pay scales.
Working Hours & TOIL Rules
Unlike APS 1–6 staff, EL employees are generally not eligible for overtime payments. Instead, EL officers are expected to work “reasonable additional hours” to fulfill their duties without extra pay.
To compensate for this, agencies offer Time Off In Lieu (TOIL). When an EL officer works significant extra hours (such as during federal budget preparations or legislative reviews), they can negotiate TOIL with their manager, allowing them to take paid time off. Many agencies also offer a fixed allocation of “Executive Release” leave (typically 3–5 days per year) as a baseline compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I negotiate an IFA loading as an EL officer?
IFA loadings are typically negotiated during the job offer stage or during annual performance reviews. You must demonstrate that your role requires specialized, in-demand skills (such as cyber security or specialist law) and show market evidence of higher private-sector pay.
Do EL staff receive overtime pay if they work on weekends?
Generally no. EL 1 and EL 2 employees are considered salaried professional staff. Weekend work is typically compensated with Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) rather than cash overtime payments, subject to manager approval.
What is the process for transitioning from APS 6 to EL 1?
Transitioning to EL 1 requires applying for a vacant position through a competitive merit process. You must demonstrate leadership potential, the ability to manage teams, strategic thinking, and accountability under the APSC Integrated Leadership System (ILS) guidelines.
How does the superannuation concessional cap affect EL salaries?
With a 15.4% employer super contribution, high-earning EL 2 officers may approach or exceed the annual concessional contributions cap (currently $30,000). You should monitor your contributions and speak with a financial adviser regarding potential tax implications or salary packaging options.
Can EL 2 officers manage entire branches or divisions?
Typically, divisions and branches are led by Senior Executive Service (SES) officers. However, in smaller agencies or regional offices, an EL 2 officer may serve as the head of a regional office or manage a large project branch.
Calculate your exact take-home pay
Use the APS Salary Calculator to see your fortnightly take-home pay, 15.4% super, and pre-tax salary sacrifice contributions.
Open APS Salary Calculator →Data last verified 1 July 2026 · Source: APSC Remuneration Report 2025