Senior Executive Service Bands 1–3 Pay Guide
APSC executive determinations, leadership frameworks, and benefits for SES Bands 1–3.
SES Band 1 Base (Min)
$200,000
SES Band 3 Base (Max)
$620,000
Employer Super
15.4%
Workforce Size
~3,000
The Senior Executive Service (SES) Leadership Cohort
The Senior Executive Service (SES) constitutes the leadership core of the Australian Public Service. Governed by Section 35 of the Public Service Act 1999, the SES is tasked with providing high-level policy advice, strategic leadership, and management across all commonwealth departments. The cohort consists of approximately 3,000 executive leaders who manage entire government divisions, oversee major national programs, and advise cabinet ministers.
Unlike the operational and middle management streams (APS 1–EL 2), SES salaries are not set by standard agency enterprise agreements. Instead, they are determined through individual determinations, statutory agreements, or direct APSC executive frameworks. SES remuneration packages reflect their strategic responsibilities, financial accountability, and leadership mandates.
SES Band 1, 2 & 3 Remuneration Ranges
The table below lists base salary ranges for Senior Executive Service bands. Total packaging includes base salary, the current employer super contribution, and standard executive allowances (e.g. motor vehicle allowances, health benefits):
| Level | Min Base | Max Base | 15.4% Super (Min Base) | Total Package Range (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SES Band 1 | $200,000 | $280,000 | $30,800/yr | $250,800 – $358,120 |
| SES Band 2 | $280,000 | $370,000 | $43,120/yr | $343,120 – $461,980 |
| SES Band 3 | $370,000 | $620,000 | $56,980/yr | $446,980 – $750,480 |
The Statutory & Executive Mandate
Under the Public Service Act 1999, the statutory mandate of an SES employee is to:
- Provide professional, strategic, and high-integrity leadership that meets APSC standards.
- Promote cooperation and collaboration across government agencies to deliver national priorities.
- Drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement within their respective divisions.
SES Cohort Roles & Typical Titles
SES Band 1: Assistant Secretary / Branch Manager
Salary Range: $200,000 – $280,000
SES Band 1 officers typically serve as Branch Managers or Assistant Secretaries. They manage a specific branch within a department (e.g. the Budget Policy Branch at Treasury). They report to an SES Band 2 officer and are responsible for program delivery, policy advice, and operational governance.
SES Band 2: First Assistant Secretary / Division Head
Salary Range: $280,000 – $370,000
SES Band 2 officers typically serve as Division Heads or First Assistant Secretaries. They lead a major division (e.g., the Social Policy Division) and coordinate multiple branches. Band 2 officers are key strategic leaders, representing the agency at parliamentary committees and briefing ministers.
SES Band 3: Deputy Secretary / Chief Executive
Salary Range: $370,000 – $620,000
SES Band 3 represents the senior leadership tier below the Department Secretary. Serving as Deputy Secretaries or CEOs of statutory authorities, they help set agency-wide policy and oversee divisions. They work directly with the Secretary and cabinet ministers on national strategies.
Executive Remuneration Components
SES packages consist of several components:
- Base Salary: Set via individual determination (Section 24(1) of the Public Service Act).
- Employer Superannuation: 15.4% contribution paid into accumulation funds (like PSSap) or defined benefit schemes.
- Motor Vehicle Benefits: A cash allowance or a fully maintained executive vehicle.
- Executive Allowances: Mobile devices, home office support, and annual executive health assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are SES contracts fixed-term or permanent?
Unlike private-sector executives who are often on fixed-term contracts, the majority of SES officers are permanent (ongoing) public servants. However, they can be reassigned to different roles or branches based on operational needs.
Who oversees the recruitment of SES officers?
SES recruitment is overseen by the Australian Public Service Commission. Every SES recruitment panel must include an independent APSC representative to ensure merit-based selection and public service integrity.
Are performance bonuses common at the SES level?
No. In line with public sector reform, performance-based bonuses have been phased out across almost all federal departments. SES advancement is based on base salary increases tied to annual performance evaluations.
Can an SES officer take part in political campaigns?
Under APSC code of conduct guidelines, all public servants—especially SES officers—must remain politically neutral. They cannot publicly support political campaigns or run for office while employed in the public service.
How does the Department Secretary appointment process differ from the SES?
Department Secretaries (department heads) are not SES officers. They are appointed directly by the Prime Minister for fixed terms (typically five years) following consultations with the APSC Commissioner.
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Open APS Salary Calculator →Data last verified 1 July 2026 · Source: APSC Remuneration Report 2025