NSW Public Service Salary Scales (2025–2026)
Official NSW Public Sector Clerk Grade 1/2 through 11/12 pay rates, step increments, superannuation, and take-home pay under the Crown Employees Award.
1. Official NSW Public Service Classification Pay Scales
Statutory annual base salary, 12% employer superannuation, estimated PAYG tax withholding, and net take-home pay.
| NSW Classification Grade | Base Annual Salary | Employer Super (12%) | Estimated Annual Tax | Net Take-Home Pay | Net / Fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk Grade 1/2 (Year 1) Operational support, client service, administrative processing. | $72,400 | $8,688 | $10,600 | $61,800 | $2,377 |
| Clerk Grade 3/4 (Year 1) Project officer, regulatory case management, service delivery. | $84,900 | $10,188 | $14,500 | $70,400 | $2,708 |
| Clerk Grade 5/6 (Year 1) Senior project officer, policy analyst, technical specialist. | $98,600 | $11,832 | $18,700 | $79,900 | $3,073 |
| Clerk Grade 7/8 (Year 1) Principal policy officer, program manager, team supervisor. | $114,200 | $13,704 | $23,300 | $90,900 | $3,496 |
| Clerk Grade 9/10 (Year 1) Manager, senior strategic lead, complex project director. | $129,800 | $15,576 | $28,300 | $101,500 | $3,904 |
| Clerk Grade 11/12 (Year 1) Associate Director, branch executive lead. | $149,500 | $17,940 | $35,100 | $114,400 | $4,400 |
| Senior Executive Band 1 Executive Director, departmental agency head. | $198,000 | $23,760 | $55,200 | $142,800 | $5,492 |
2. Architecture of NSW Public Sector Compensation
Employment within the New South Wales Public Service is administered under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (NSW) and the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries) Award. The framework provides standardized two-year grade bands (Clerk Grade 1/2 through Grade 11/12) and Senior Executive Service bands.
3. The 35-Hour Working Week & Flex Time System
Standard full-time administrative roles in the NSW Public Service operate on a 35.0-hour working week (7 hours per day). Flex time agreements allow officers to accumulate surplus hours and take 1 to 2 paid flex days off per 4-week settlement period.
Master Take-Home Pay Calculator
Calculate your exact fortnightly take-home pay under NSW Public Service rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Australian tax, superannuation, and take-home pay guidance grounded in current ATO rulings.
What are the NSW Public Service salary grades for 2025–2026?
NSW Public Sector clerk salaries range from $72,400 (Grade 1/2) to $149,500+ (Grade 11/12), governed by the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries) Award.
How much superannuation do NSW public servants receive?
NSW public sector employees receive the statutory 12.0% Superannuation Guarantee (or legacy SASS/State Super defined benefit entitlements).
How do annual salary increment steps work in NSW Government?
Employees advance by one step within their 2-year grade band annually upon completing satisfactory performance evaluations.
What are the Senior Executive Band (SEB) salaries in NSW?
NSW Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1 to Band 3 executives earn total remuneration packages ranging from $198,000 to over $420,000.
Can NSW public servants salary package living expenses or vehicles?
Yes. Eligible NSW government employees can salary package additional superannuation and 100% FBT-exempt electric vehicles through novated leasing.
What higher duties allowances apply in NSW Public Service?
Employees acting in higher-graded roles for 5 or more consecutive days receive Higher Duties Allowance equal to the minimum step of the higher grade.
How do flexible working hours and flex leave work in NSW?
NSW public servants accrue flex time for hours worked beyond 35.0 or 38.0 hours per week, allowing up to 1 to 2 days of paid flex leave per settlement period.
How do Stage 3 tax cuts improve NSW public sector take-home pay?
Stage 3 tax cuts provide $1,500 to $3,800 in extra annual take-home cash for Grade 3/4 through Grade 11/12 officers.