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SES Band 2 salary: what it is and how it compares to the national line
SES Band 2 is a senior executive level in the Australian Public Service. Exact salary not publicly listed, but EL2 rates give a lower bound. Compare to national average earnings an
No precise public figure for SES Band 2 salary exists; the highest published APS rate (EL2.4) is $172,219, giving an index of about 159 against the national line of $108,352.
What does "SES Band 2 salary" mean?
SES stands for Senior Executive Service, the top tier of the Australian Public Service (APS). SES Band 2 is the second-highest level within that structure, typically held by deputy secretaries or equivalent senior leaders. Unlike APS levels 1–6 and Executive Levels 1–2, SES salaries are not published in standard pay tables like the AFSA base salary schedule. Instead, they are individually negotiated under the public service enterprise agreement and may include performance bonuses, vehicle allowances, and other benefits.
Because the exact figure is not publicly listed in the sources available, we can only estimate using the next rung down: the highest Executive Level 2 (EL2.4) salary is $172,219 per year as of March 2026, according to the Australian Financial Security Authority. SES Band 2 is above EL2, so a reasonable guess is that base pay starts around $200,000–$250,000, though actual amounts vary by agency and individual contract.
How does SES Band 2 pay compare to the national line?
The Salary Index sets 100 as the national benchmark: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Using that line:
- EL2.4 at $172,219 gives an index of 159.
- A hypothetical SES Band 2 salary of $250,000 gives an index of 231.
- For context, the national minimum wage (July 2026) is $52,255 per year, index 48.2.
So SES Band 2 sits well above the average, reflecting the seniority and accountability of the role. Even the lowest SES Band 1 would likely exceed an index of 150.
Gross pay, super, and tax on an SES Band 2 salary
Let’s take an example of $250,000 gross per year (a plausible SES Band 2 base).
Superannuation
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. On $250,000, that’s $30,000 in employer super contributions. Total remuneration (salary plus super) would be $280,000.
Tax (resident, 2026–27)
Using the tax rates provided:
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15% on $26,800 = $4,020
- $45,001–$135,000: 30% on $90,000 = $27,000
- $135,001–$190,000: 37% on $55,000 = $20,350
- $190,001–$250,000: 45% on $60,000 = $27,000
- Total income tax = $78,370
- Medicare levy (2%) = $5,000
- Total tax and Medicare = $83,370
- Take-home pay = $166,630 per year, or about $13,886 per month.
Note: This ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge (which may apply if you don’t have appropriate private hospital cover).
How awards and industrial relations fit
SES roles are not covered by modern awards. The Fair Work Commission publishes minimum rates for award-covered employees only. SES Band 2 employees are typically on individual contracts or common law agreements. The national minimum wage and award minima do not apply directly, though the agency’s enterprise agreement may set a floor.
State and industry comparisons
While SES Band 2 is a federal public service classification, you can compare its likely pay to state-based benchmarks:
- ACT (where many APS roles are based) has an index of 109.9, meaning average full-time earnings of $119,090. An SES Band 2 salary of $250,000 would be more than double that.
- In the professional, scientific and technical sector, the index is 114.7 ($124,300). Again, SES Band 2 is far above.
- Even the highest industry index (Mining, 154.7) equates to $167,600, still below a typical SES Band 2.
So SES Band 2 pay is exceptional, even compared to high-earning private-sector roles.
Where to find more information
- Salary Index home: see how any salary compares to the national line.
- Pay guides: detailed breakdowns for APS and executive levels.
- How the index works: understand the calculation.
If you’re negotiating an SES Band 2 contract, remember that total remuneration often includes super, performance pay, and possibly a car or housing allowance. The base salary is only part of the picture.
Key takeaways
- No official public figure for SES Band 2 salary exists in the provided sources; the highest published APS rate is EL2.4 at $172,219.
- SES Band 2 likely starts above $200,000, giving a salary index well above 150.
- Tax and super significantly affect take-home pay; on $250,000, expect around $167,000 after tax and Medicare.
- SES roles are not award-covered; pay is set by individual agreement.
Questions people ask
What is the SES Band 2 salary in the Australian Public Service?
There is no single published figure for SES Band 2 salary in the provided public sources. The highest published APS rate is the Executive Level 2.4 at $172,219 per year (AFSA, March 2026). SES Band 2 is a senior executive level above EL2, and salaries are typically negotiated individually. They are often higher than $200,000, but exact amounts are not publicly listed in standard pay tables.
How does an SES Band 2 salary compare to the national average?
Using the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from ABS, May 2026), a hypothetical SES Band 2 salary of, say, $250,000 would give a salary index of about 231. Even the EL2.4 rate of $172,219 gives an index of 159. This means SES Band 2 pay is well above the national average, reflecting senior executive responsibilities.
What tax and super apply to an SES Band 2 salary?
For the 2026–27 income year, a resident earning $250,000 would pay: nil on first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on $90,000, 37% on $55,000, and 45% on the remaining $60,000, plus a 2% Medicare levy. Superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So an employer would contribute $30,000 in super on a $250,000 salary. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare (ignoring HELP etc.) would be approximately $170,000.