Is SES Band 2 covered by the national minimum wage?

Technically yes, the national minimum wage applies as a legal floor for all award-free employees, including senior executives. However, SES Band 2 salaries are many times higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, so the floor is not a practical constraint.

How is the SES Band 2 salary determined?

The Remuneration Tribunal sets the base salary range for SES Band 2 in the Australian Public Service. Individual agencies may add allowances or performance pay. The exact salary is negotiated in the employment contract and is not set by a modern award or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

What is the difference between SES Band 2 salary and the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. SES Band 2 salaries are typically several hundred thousand dollars per year, many times higher. The national minimum wage is a floor for all workers, but senior executive pay is determined by market factors and the Remuneration Tribunal.

SES Band 2 salary: how the pay floor compares for senior executives

SES Band 2 salary is set by the Remuneration Tribunal or individual contract, far above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

SES Band 2 salary and the Australian pay floor

The term "ses band 2 salary" refers to the pay level for Senior Executive Service Band 2 in the Australian Public Service. This classification is for senior executives who lead major programs or agencies. Unlike most employees, SES Band 2 officers are not covered by modern awards or the national minimum wage as a practical benchmark. Their pay is set by the Remuneration Tribunal or individual employment contracts.

The legal minimum for most employees

For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. This is the floor for award-free employees. However, junior employees, apprentices, trainees, and those on introductory award rates may be paid less under special provisions. Modern awards set higher minimums for many industries, and enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules, while the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage.

How SES Band 2 salary compares

The SES Band 2 salary is significantly higher than the national minimum wage. According to the Remuneration Tribunal, the base salary for SES Band 2 is determined annually and is typically in the range of several hundred thousand dollars per year. The exact figure depends on the specific role and agency. The Fair Work Ombudsman does not set this rate; it is a matter for the employer and the employee's contract. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports average weekly earnings for full-time adults at $2,083.70 (May 2026), but SES Band 2 earnings are well above that average.

Superannuation on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For SES Band 2, this adds a significant amount to total remuneration. The super is in addition to the salary and is not included in the quoted hourly or weekly rates.

Award coverage and enterprise agreements

SES Band 2 employees are typically not covered by modern awards because they are senior executives. However, some may be covered by enterprise agreements that apply to their agency. In that case, the agreement sets the minimum pay and conditions. If no agreement applies, the individual contract determines the salary. The national minimum wage still applies as a backstop, but in practice, SES Band 2 salaries are far above it. For most employees, the relevant pay floor is the national minimum wage or the applicable award rate. See Which minimum wage applies for more details.

Summary

The "ses band 2 salary" is a high-level executive pay classification. It is not constrained by the national minimum wage or award rates. The pay floor for these employees is effectively the amount agreed in their contract, subject to the national minimum wage as a last resort. For most employees, the relevant floor is the national minimum wage or the applicable award rate. For a full breakdown of current rates, visit Rate tables.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.