Branch Manager Salary Guide
Authority guide to Federal Government Branch Manager salaries. Map underlying classifications, run take-home pay calculations, and compare agency scales.
Important Clarification: Classification Mapping
Unlike standardized levels such as APS 6 or EL1, “Branch Manager” is a job title rather than a uniform APS classification. Depending on the agency complexity, budget size, and strategic scope:
- At larger agencies (e.g. Services Australia, ATO, Defence), a Branch Manager is typically classified as a Senior Executive Service Band 1 (SES Band 1) officer.
- At mid-to-smaller agencies, the role may be classified at the Executive Level 2 (EL2) Director tier.
- Base salaries therefore range from $150,800 (EL2 min) up to $280,000+ (SES Band 1 max).
Branch Manager Salary Snapshot
Because of the classification split, overall remuneration scales differ substantially. A standard 15.4% superannuation payment adds significant value on top of base salary:
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Estimated Take-Home
Salary Allocation Breakdown
Visual allocation of your total base salary based on the inputs selected in the calculator above:
Branch Manager Classification Mapping
Different federal agencies classify the Branch Manager position differently depending on organizational complexity:
| Agency | Typical Classification | Salary Range | Source Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $153,500 – $245,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Services Australia | SES Band 1 | $195,000 – $255,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of Defence | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $151,400 – $242,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of Home Affairs | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $150,900 – $240,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of the Treasury | SES Band 1 | $200,000 – $280,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of Finance | SES Band 1 | $198,000 – $275,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of Health and Aged Care | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $151,800 – $243,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of Education | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $151,500 – $241,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $150,700 – $240,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Attorney-General’s Department | SES Band 1 | $196,000 – $268,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) | SES Band 1 | $210,000 – $285,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $150,200 – $238,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| ASIC | SES Band 1 | $205,000 – $280,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
| ACCC | EL2 / SES Band 1 | $153,800 – $244,000 | 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement |
Branch Manager Career Progression
The typical pathway to obtaining a Branch Manager position in the federal public service:
Owning operational program execution. Base: $100,190 – $118,780.
Managing small policy or program sections. Base: $120,750 – $143,200.
Budget management, workforce oversight, and section strategic ownership. Base: $150,800 – $182,500.
Directing whole branches of sections, advising department executives. Base: $150,800 – $280,000+.
Strategic management of multiple branches. Base: $280,000 – $370,000.
Branch Manager Responsibilities
Branch Managers hold senior operational governance, directing branch deliverables:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Fact-checked answers for Federal Branch Managers in the Australian Government:
What is a Branch Manager in the Australian Public Service (APS)?
A Branch Manager is an operational leadership role responsible for directing an agency branch consisting of multiple sections.
Is Branch Manager a uniform APS classification?
No. Branch Manager is a job title. Depending on the agency size and budget scope, the role is typically classified as Executive Level 2 (EL2) or Senior Executive Service Band 1 (SES Band 1).
How much does a Branch Manager earn in the federal government?
Salaries range from $150,800 (EL2 starting base) up to $280,000+ (SES Band 1 max base) per year depending on the underlying classification and agency Enterprise Agreement.
What superannuation rate applies to Branch Managers?
Ongoing APS Branch Managers receive a 15.4% employer superannuation contribution paid on top of their base salary.
Can a Branch Manager work from home (WFH)?
Yes, federal agencies offer hybrid work arrangements, typically allowing 2 to 3 days of work-from-home weekly, subject to manager approval.
Do Branch Managers receive overtime pay?
No, Branch Managers are senior salaried professionals and are not eligible for overtime payments. EL2 staff receive TOIL, while SES officers receive negotiated executive package benefits.
What is the role difference between a Section Manager (EL1) and a Branch Manager?
An EL1 Section Manager directs individual project teams. A Branch Manager oversees several sections, managing higher financial delegations, risk governance, and branch budgets.
What financial delegations do Branch Managers hold?
Typical financial delegation limits under the PGPA Act range from $50,000 to $250,000+ depending on the agency and underlying classification.
Are qualifications mandatory to become a Branch Manager?
No formal tertiary degrees are mandatory, but most candidates hold university degrees or extensive professional leadership experience.
How do I progress from EL2 to an SES Branch Manager role?
Progression requires applying for vacant SES Band 1 roles through a merit-based, competitive selection process validated by the APSC.
Are Branch Manager salaries identical across all agencies?
No, they vary because base pay scales are governed by agency-specific Enterprise Agreements and individual SES determinations.
What typical experience is expected for Branch Managers?
Successful Branch Managers typically possess 8 to 12+ years of professional experience, showing strong track records in strategic delivery and resource leadership.