What is the APS4 salary in 2026?

There is no single APS4 salary because each Australian Public Service agency sets its own rates through enterprise agreements. However, from 12 March 2026, every agency’s APS4 range must start at no less than $79,125 and reach at least $86,246. The Australian Public Service Commission reported a median base salary of $82,906 at December 2025. For example, the ATO pays APS4 from $84,028 to $91,199, while Services Australia pays $79,322 to $87,886. All figures are before tax and exclude the 15.4% employer super contribution.

How does the APS4 salary compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for award-free employees. An APS4 employee on the threshold minimum of $79,125 earns about $40.03 per hour (based on a 38‑hour week), which is well above the national minimum. The national minimum wage is a legal floor; APS4 rates are set by enterprise agreements and are significantly higher. Even the lowest APS4 pay point is roughly 50% above the national minimum.

How can I find my exact APS4 rate?

Your exact APS4 rate depends on your agency’s enterprise agreement and your pay point within that agreement. Check your agency’s intranet or HR department for the current salary schedule. The Australian Public Service Commission publishes agency‑level remuneration data, and the Fair Work Commission’s website lists registered enterprise agreements. If you are not covered by an APS agreement, your minimum pay is set by the relevant modern award or the national minimum wage.

APS4 Salary 2026: How Your Hourly Rate Compares to the Public Service Pay Floor

The APS4 salary from March 2026 ranges from $79,125 to $86,246 per year, with a median of $82,906, plus 15.4% employer super.

APS4 Salary: A Practical Check with Your Hourly Rate

If you are searching for the aps4 salary to see how your pay compares, you have come to the right place. The APS4 classification is a common level in the Australian Public Service, but its pay is not a single figure. Instead, it depends on your agency’s enterprise agreement. This guide helps you separate the legal minimum from the actual APS4 rates and shows you how to check your hourly rate against the public service pay floor.

The National Minimum Wage vs. APS4 Enterprise Agreement Rates

First, understand the legal baseline. The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission and explained by the Fair Work Ombudsman, is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. This applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. However, most APS employees are covered by an enterprise agreement, which sets higher minimum rates. The national minimum wage is a safety net, not a target for APS4.

APS4 salaries are negotiated through enterprise bargaining and are much higher. From 12 March 2026, every APS agency must pay at least $79,125 at the bottom of the APS4 range and at least $86,246 at the top. The Australian Public Service Commission’s remuneration data shows a median base salary of $82,906 at December 2025. These figures are before tax and do not include the employer super contribution, which averages 15.4% of base salary across the APS.

Converting APS4 Salaries to an Hourly Rate

To compare with the national minimum wage, convert the annual APS4 salary to an hourly rate using a 38‑hour ordinary week. For the threshold minimum of $79,125:

Annual salary ÷ 52 weeks = $1,521.63 per week
Weekly ÷ 38 hours = $40.03 per hour

This is about 51% higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44. Even the lowest APS4 pay point in any agency is well above the legal floor. For example, Services Australia’s minimum APS4 rate of $79,322 gives $40.12 per hour, while the ATO’s lowest pay point of $84,028 gives $42.52 per hour.

Remember that your take‑home pay will be lower after tax and the Medicare levy. The 2026‑27 tax rates apply, and you may also have a HELP debt or salary sacrifice arrangements. The figures here are gross pay before deductions.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing APS4 salary, always consider superannuation. The median employer contribution across the APS is 15.4% of base salary, well above the 12% Superannuation Guarantee. On the threshold minimum of $79,125, that is an extra $12,185 per year paid into your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay but is a significant part of your total remuneration package.

How to Check Your Own Rate

If you are an APS4 employee, your exact salary depends on your agency’s enterprise agreement and your pay point. The Fair Work Commission’s website lists registered agreements, and your agency’s HR department can provide the current salary schedule. For award‑free employees outside the APS, the national minimum wage or a modern award applies. Use our Which minimum wage applies guide to find your correct pay floor, or visit Rate tables for award and national minimum rates.

Key Takeaways

The APS4 salary is not a single number; it ranges from $79,125 to $86,246 across agencies, with a median of $82,906.
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but APS4 rates are significantly higher.
Employer super of 15.4% is paid on top of your base salary.
Always check your enterprise agreement for your exact rate.

For more details on how pay figures are calculated, see our How the figures work page. If you have further questions, explore our Guides on Australian wages.