EL2 Salary: How the Australian Pay Floor Compares with Executive Level 2 Rates

What is an EL2 salary?

The term "EL2 salary" refers to the pay rate for an Executive Level 2 classification in the Australian Public Service (APS). EL2 is a senior management role, typically responsible for leading teams, managing budgets, and shaping policy. Unlike the national minimum wage, which is a universal floor, EL2 salaries are determined through enterprise agreements negotiated between the Australian Government and relevant unions. This means there is no single EL2 rate; it varies by agency, location, and specific role.

The legal minimum floor

Every Australian employee in the national system is entitled to at least the national minimum wage. As of 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set this at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These figures are explained and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

For employees covered by a modern award, the award’s minimum rates apply instead of the national minimum. Most awards have a backstop that matches the national minimum, but some introductory rates (limited to the first six months) can be as low as $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. EL2 employees, however, are not covered by any modern award because their classification falls under the APS Enterprise Agreement. That agreement sets rates well above the award and national minimum levels.

How EL2 salaries are determined

EL2 salaries are negotiated through enterprise bargaining. The APS Enterprise Agreement specifies pay bands, which are adjusted periodically. Because the agreement is a registered instrument under the Fair Work Act, it overrides the national minimum wage and any award that might otherwise apply. The actual EL2 salary an employee receives depends on their agency’s classification structure, performance, and market allowances. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database does not include EL2 rates because they are not award‑based.

Comparing EL2 to the national minimum

While the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, EL2 salaries are many times higher. For context, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. EL2 salaries typically exceed that average, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role. However, because we do not have a precise median EL2 figure from our research, we cannot give a specific comparison. The key point is that the legal minimum is not a relevant benchmark for EL2 employees; their pay is governed by enterprise agreements.

Common misconceptions

A frequent mix‑up is treating the national minimum wage as a target or a typical rate. In reality, it is a floor. EL2 salaries are negotiated and are far above that floor. Another confusion is assuming that award rates apply to all public servants. Award coverage depends on the industry and occupation; APS employees are covered by their enterprise agreement, not by awards such as the Clerks Award or the Professional Employees Award. Finally, some people think the Fair Work Ombudsman sets the minimum wage; in fact, the Fair Work Commission sets it, and the Ombudsman provides guidance and enforces compliance.

Super guarantee on top

When discussing any salary, including EL2, it is important to remember that the employer must pay superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For an EL2 employee earning, say, $150,000 per year, the employer would contribute an additional $18,000 in super. This is separate from the salary figure and is a mandatory cost of employment.

Further reading

For more detail on how minimum wages apply to different roles, see our Rate tables which break down award and national minimum rates. If you want to understand the methodology behind the figures, visit our Guides page. Remember, this site provides orientation only; it is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always check the relevant enterprise agreement or consult with your employer for your exact EL2 salary.

Key takeaway

The EL2 salary is a negotiated rate under an enterprise agreement, not a figure set by the national minimum wage or a modern award. The legal floor exists, but for EL2 employees it is irrelevant because their pay is much higher. Always separate the minimum from the actual rate, and remember that super is an additional employer cost.