VPS 5 Salary 2026: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
VPS 5 salary 2026 ranges from $116,413 to $140,849. See how this Victorian public service pay compares to the national average and the salary index.
The VPS 5 salary range sits well above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index of 100, with a midpoint around index 119.
What is the VPS 5 salary 2026?
The VPS 5 salary 2026 refers to the pay rate for Grade 5 in the Victorian Public Service (VPS) under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024. From 1 May 2026, a VPS 5 employee earns between $116,413 and $140,849 per year. This grade is split into two value ranges: VPS 5.1 ($116,413–$128,631) and VPS 5.2 ($128,635–$140,849), each with five pay points. These figures are gross salary only; superannuation is paid on top.
Where VPS 5 sits on the Australian salary index
The Salary Index measures yearly gross pay against the national line of 100, which is set at full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. As of May 2026, that line is $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings). A VPS 5 salary at the bottom of the range ($116,413) gives an index of 107.4, and at the top ($140,849) gives an index of 130.0. The midpoint of the range (around $128,631) sits at index 118.7.
To put that in context:
- The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 per year (index 48.2).
- The average for Professional, Scientific and Technical Services is index 114.7.
- The average for Education and Training is index 105.5.
So a VPS 5 salary is comfortably above the national average and competitive with professional roles in the private sector.
How the VPS 5 salary is determined
The VPS 5 salary 2026 is set by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, which applies to all Victorian public servants. The agreement provides four annual increases of 3% each, effective 1 May 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. The rates shown here are the 1 May 2026 column. The next rise (3%) will apply from 1 May 2027.
Unlike the Australian Public Service, Victoria publishes a single salary table for all VPS grades. The VPS 5 grade is a mid-level professional classification, typically requiring several years of experience or specialised skills. The two value ranges (5.1 and 5.2) allow for progression within the grade.
Comparison with other states and industries
Victoria's overall salary index is 98.0 (annualised $106,137), slightly below the national average. But VPS 5 salaries are above the state average because they represent a specific professional grade. For comparison:
- NSW index 101.2 ($109,658)
- ACT index 109.9 ($119,090)
- WA index 106.9 ($115,825)
In the private sector, similar roles in Mining (index 154.7) pay more, while Retail Trade (index 75.9) pays less. The VPS 5 salary sits between the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services average (index 114.7) and the Health Care and Social Assistance average (index 97.8).
You can explore more state comparisons on our states page, or see how different industries stack up.
Tax and superannuation considerations
The VPS 5 salary 2026 figures are gross. After income tax and the 2% Medicare levy, take-home pay will be lower. For example, on a VPS 5.1 step 3 salary of $123,391, the estimated annual tax (excluding HELP or other deductions) is about $30,000, leaving around $93,000 net. Use our pay guides for more detailed calculations.
Superannuation is paid on top at the Superannuation Guarantee rate of 12% from 1 July 2026. That means total remuneration for a VPS 5 employee is higher than the base salary. For instance, on $128,631, the employer super contribution is $15,436, making total package $144,067. The VPS agreement does not set a higher employer contribution than the SG minimum, unlike the APS where the median is 15.4%.
Where to find official VPS salary information
The primary source for VPS pay is the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, registered with the Fair Work Commission. The salary tables are also published on sites like and, which transcribe the official rates. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database does not cover VPS because it is a state enterprise agreement, not a modern award.
Summary
The VPS 5 salary 2026 of $116,413 to $140,849 places this grade well above the national average earnings line. On the salary index, it ranges from about 107 to 130, making it a solid mid-level professional income in Victoria. When comparing job offers, remember to factor in superannuation and the 3% annual increases built into the agreement.
For more on how pay compares across Australia, visit Salary Index. You can also read about how the index works or browse topics related to public sector pay.
Questions people ask
What is the VPS 5 salary range for 2026?
From 1 May 2026, VPS 5 pays between $116,413 and $140,849 per year. This is split into two value ranges: VPS 5.1 ($116,413–$128,631) and VPS 5.2 ($128,635–$140,849). Each range has five pay points. These figures are from the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.
How does the VPS 5 salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (the salary index base of 100) is $108,352 per year as of May 2026. A VPS 5 salary at the bottom of the range ($116,413) gives an index of about 107, and at the top ($140,849) gives an index of about 130. So VPS 5 sits above the national average, especially at higher steps.
Does the VPS 5 salary include superannuation?
No, the salary figures are base gross pay. Superannuation is paid on top at the Superannuation Guarantee rate, which is 12% from 1 July 2026. So total remuneration including super would be higher. For example, on a $128,631 salary, super adds about $15,436, making total remuneration around $144,067.