Diplomat salary in Australia: how DFAT pay compares to the national line
See how diplomat salaries for Australian public servants compare to the national index, with state and industry differences. Fair Work Ombudsman rules for embassy staff.
Australian diplomat salaries (DFAT APS and EL classifications) range from an index of around 97 to 127 against the national line of 100, depending on classification and step.
Diplomat salary in Australia: how DFAT pay compares to the national line
When people search for "diplomat salary" in Australia, they are usually asking about two different groups: Australian public servants working for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and locally engaged staff employed at foreign embassies or consulates. This guide focuses on the first group, using the DFAT Enterprise Agreement 2024 to show where these salaries sit on the Salary Index. We also explain the rules for embassy employees based on guidance from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
DFAT base salaries and the Salary Index
The DFAT Enterprise Agreement 2024 sets base salaries for Australian Public Service (APS) classifications and Executive Levels (EL). From March 2026, the rates are:
- APS 1.1: $57,497 (index 53.1)
- APS 4.1: $82,995 (index 76.6)
- APS 5.1: $93,312 (index 86.1)
- APS 6.1: $105,260 (index 97.1)
- EL 1.1: $137,301 (index 126.7)
- EL 2.1: $167,708 (index 154.8)
These index figures compare each salary to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). A diplomat at APS 6 level earns close to the national average, while an EL 1 earns about 27% above. The agreement also includes allowances for language proficiency, remote localities, and out-of-hours duties, which can push the index higher.
State and industry context
Most DFAT employees are based in Canberra (ACT), where the state index is 109.9 – the highest in Australia. That means a diplomat on the national line would be slightly below the ACT average. However, DFAT also has offices in other states and overseas. For comparison, the industries index for professional, scientific and technical services is 114.7, and for public administration (not separately listed) it would likely be similar to the ACT figure. Diplomat salaries therefore sit comfortably above many other industries: retail trade is 75.9, accommodation and food services is 72.5.
Award coverage for embassy staff
The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that employees of foreign embassies and consulates may be covered by Australian law if the employee is a permanent Australian resident and the contract is made or performed in Australia. However, diplomatic immunity can exempt the employer from Australian employment law. Where Australian law applies, the Miscellaneous Award may cover roles like clerical work, driving, cleaning, or nanny work. The award rates are lower than DFAT salaries – for example, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2). Embassy staff covered by the Miscellaneous Award would earn at least that, but often more depending on the role.
How to read the index
The how the index works page explains that index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. A diplomat on $105,260 has an index of 97.1, meaning they earn slightly less than the national average. But because DFAT salaries include superannuation of 15.4% (above the 12% guarantee), total remuneration is higher. For a full comparison, consider base salary plus allowances and super.
Key takeaways
- Australian diplomat salaries (DFAT) range from index 53 to 155, with most professional roles between 97 and 127.
- Locally engaged embassy staff may be covered by the Miscellaneous Award or the national minimum wage, but immunity can apply.
- State and industry differences matter: ACT’s high index reflects the public sector concentration, while diplomat pay is well above minimum award rates.
For more on how salaries compare across Australia, see our pay guides and states pages. If you are an embassy employee unsure of your entitlements, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice specific to your situation.
Questions people ask
What is the salary range for an Australian diplomat?
Australian diplomats employed by DFAT are paid under the DFAT Enterprise Agreement 2024. Base salaries from March 2026 range from $57,497 for an APS 1.1 to $167,708 for an EL 2.1, with higher classifications for senior executives. Additional allowances for language proficiency, remote localities, and out-of-hours duties can increase total pay. These figures are for Australian public servants, not locally engaged staff at embassies.
Are embassy employees covered by Australian awards?
It depends. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that Australian law applies if the employee is a permanent Australian resident and the contract was made or is performed in Australia, and no diplomatic immunity applies. Where covered, the Miscellaneous Award may apply to roles such as clerical work, driving, cleaning, or nanny work. However, court cases have found that embassies do not operate in the private sector, so some awards may not apply. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for specific situations.
How does a diplomat salary compare to the national average?
Using the Salary Index where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (May 2026), a DFAT APS 6.1 salary of $105,260 gives an index of about 97, slightly below the national line. An EL 1.1 at $137,301 gives an index of 127, well above average. By comparison, the national minimum wage index is 48.2. State differences also matter: the ACT index is 109.9, reflecting the concentration of public sector roles, while Tasmania is 88.6.