VPS 4 salary 2026: how it compares with the national minimum wage

What is the VPS 4 salary 2026?

The term "VPS 4 salary 2026" refers to the pay rate for employees classified at level 4 in the Victorian Public Service (VPS). This classification covers a range of professional, supervisory, and specialist roles. Unlike the national minimum wage, which is set by the Fair Work Commission, the VPS 4 salary is determined through enterprise bargaining between the Victorian Government and public sector unions. The current enterprise agreement sets out pay scales, allowances, and conditions for VPS employees.

How the VPS 4 salary is set

VPS salaries are not covered by a modern award or the national minimum wage. Instead, they are governed by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement. This agreement is registered with the Fair Work Commission and must pass the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT), meaning the total package must be better for employees than the relevant award. The VPS 4 salary is therefore a negotiated, enterprise-specific rate that is typically much higher than the legal minimum.

Comparing VPS 4 with the national minimum wage

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, as reported by the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission. This is the absolute floor for award-free employees. However, VPS 4 employees are covered by an enterprise agreement, so their minimum pay is set by that agreement, not the national minimum wage. The VPS 4 salary is generally well above this floor—often in the range of $90,000 to $110,000 per year for full-time work, depending on the specific role and experience. (Note: The provided search results do not contain the exact VPS 4 rate for 2026, so you should check the latest enterprise agreement for precise figures.)

Award rates and the VPS 4 salary

Even if a VPS employee were not covered by an enterprise agreement, they might fall under a relevant award. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that most employees are covered by an award that sets minimum pay rates. For the VPS, the relevant award could be the Clerks—Private Sector Award or the Professional Employees Award, but these are generally overridden by the enterprise agreement. The award backstop from 1 July 2026 ensures that the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than $26.44 per hour, and introductory rates (first 6 months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour. VPS 4 salaries are far above these thresholds.

Superannuation on top

When discussing the VPS 4 salary, remember that the base salary is before super. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. So if your VPS 4 salary is, say, $95,000, your employer also contributes $11,400 to your super fund. This is an additional cost to the employer and an important part of your total remuneration package.

How to check your VPS 4 rate

If you are a VPS employee or considering a VPS 4 role, the best source of information is the current Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement. You can find it on the Victorian Government's Industrial Relations Victoria website or through your union. The agreement will list the salary range for each classification level, including VPS 4, along with any allowances and penalty rates. You can also use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to compare with award rates, but remember that your enterprise agreement overrides the award.

Other pay floors to be aware of

Even though VPS 4 is well above the minimum, it is useful to understand the broader pay landscape. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. These are survey averages, not legal minimums. The VPS 4 salary is likely to be around or above the full-time average, depending on the specific role.

For award-free employees (not covered by any award or agreement), the national minimum wage applies. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have lower rates. For example, a 20-year-old award-free junior earns $25.84 per hour (97.7% of the adult rate). But VPS 4 roles are typically held by adults, so these junior rates are not relevant.

Summary

The VPS 4 salary 2026 is a negotiated rate under the Victorian Public Service enterprise agreement, not a government-set minimum. It is significantly higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. To find the exact figure, consult the enterprise agreement. Remember that superannuation is paid on top, and your total package includes leave, allowances, and other conditions.

For more information on minimum wages and how they apply, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

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