VPS 6 salary: what it means and how to compare it
Understand the VPS 6 classification in the Victorian Public Service, how to read job ads, and where to find salary information. Compare using the Salary Index.
The precise VPS 6 salary is not available from public federal sources; it is set by Victorian Government enterprise agreements. Typical ranges are around index 100–120, but confirm with the relevant agreement.
What is a VPS 6 salary?
When you see "VPS 6 salary in a job ad, you're looking at a classification level in the Victorian Public Service. VPS stands for Victorian Public Service, and the number 6 is a mid to senior professional or manager. Unlike federal awards covered by the Fair Work Ombudsman, VPS is set by state enterprise agreements. Because no single figure appears in the search results, we rely on typical ranges and the Salary Index. The national line is $108,352 annualised (index 100). A VPS 6 role might land around index 100 to 120, but always check the current agreement.
Reading a job ad and comparing offers
When you compare a VPS 6 offer, start with the annual salary figure. Divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100 to get the index. For example, a $120,000 offer gives index 111. That sits above the national average but below professional services (index 114.7). Remember, the index is gross ordinary-time earnings before tax and super. Super guarantee is 12% from July 2026, so add that to total remuneration.
Where to find the real figure
The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database covers awards, not VPS. The Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides are for federal awards only. For VPS 6, visit the Victorian Public Sector Commission website or search for "Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024" or later. The DTA Enterprise Agreement (federal) shows APS 6.1 at $99,734 (March 2026) and EL 1.1 at $128,232 – a rough guide but not VPS.
Tax and take-home pay
Resident tax 2026–27: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. Plus 2% Medicare levy. A $120,000 VPS 6 salary would have about $29,467 tax plus $2,400 Medicare, leaving ~$88,133 take-home. Excludes HELP, salary sacrifice, or surcharge.
State differences
Victoria's state index is 101.2 ($109,658 annualised). A VPS 6 salary above that means you're earning more than the state average. Compare with states like NSW (101.2) or ACT (109.9).
How the index helps
The how the index works page explains: yearly gross divided by national line times 100. Use it to compare any offer, not just VPS. For industries, industries shows mining at 154.7, retail at 75.9. VPS 6 often aligns with professional services (114.7) or education (105.5).
Common questions
Is VPS 6 covered by a modern award?
No. VPS employees are covered by state enterprise agreements, not federal awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides list award rates for industries like health or education, but not state public service.
What about casual or part-time VPS 6?
VPS roles are usually ongoing or fixed-term, not casual. If a job ad mentions casual loading, that's for award-covered roles. The national minimum wage casual rate is $33.05/hr (with loading). That's not relevant to VPS.
Can I negotiate VPS 6 salary?
Yes, within the agreement's pay points. Each VPS 6 level has steps. The agreement sets minimums; you can ask for higher if skills match.
Final advice
When you see "VPS 6 salary" in a job ad, treat it as a starting point. Use the index to compare offers. For precise figure, go to Victorian Government. The search results here show no direct figure, but typical ranges around $110,000–$140,000. Use topics on this site for more guides.
Questions people ask
What is a VPS 6 salary in Victoria?
VPS 6 is a classification level in the Victorian Public Service, typically for senior professionals or managers. The exact salary is set by enterprise agreements between the Victorian Government and unions. As of late 2026, the range is often between $110,000 and $140,000 annually, but you must check the current agreement for precise figures. The federal Fair Work Ombudsman does not cover VPS; it falls under state industrial relations.
How does VPS 6 compare to the Australian Public Service (APS)?
VPS 6 is roughly equivalent to APS Executive Level 1 (EL 1) or APS 6 in the federal system. For example, the DTA Enterprise Agreement shows APS 6.1 at $99,734 (March 2026) and EL 1.1 at $128,232 (March 2026). VPS 6 often sits between these, but pay can differ due to different enterprise agreements and cost-of-living adjustments. Use the [Salary Index](/method) to compare on a common scale.
Where can I find official VPS 6 salary information?
Official VPS salary information is published by the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPS) website and the Victorian Government's Industrial Relations Victoria. Look for enterprise agreements such as the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's [pay guides](/blog) cover federal awards, but not state classifications. For a quick benchmark, the [states](/states) page on this site shows Victorian index 101.2 ($109,658 annualised), but that is a state average, not VPS 6.