EL2 salary: How the Australian Public Service executive level 2 compares to the national line
EL2 salary ranges from $148,762 to $192,469 under APS enterprise agreements. See how this executive classification sits against the national average wage index.
EL2 salaries range from an index of about 137 to 178, well above the national line of 100, reflecting senior public service roles.
What is an EL2 salary?
EL2 stands for Executive Level 2, the highest non-SES (Senior Executive Service) classification in the Australian Public Service (APS). It covers senior managers, directors, and specialists who lead teams, manage budgets, and shape policy. EL2 salaries are not set by a modern award but by enterprise agreements specific to each agency. The keyword el2 salary refers to the pay rates for these roles, which vary by agency and pay point.
How EL2 salary compares to the national line
The Salary Index uses the national line of 100, based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An EL2 salary sits well above this benchmark. For example, under the Treasury Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027, an EL2.1 earns $167,708 from 12 March 2026, giving an index of 154.8. At the top of the scale, EL2.4 earns $192,469, an index of 177.6. Salary Index
Even the lowest EL2 rate from the DTA agreement ($148,762) is 137.3 on the index. This means EL2 salaries are firmly in the top tier of Australian earnings, comparable to professional and technical services (index 114.7) or mining (index 154.7). industries
Awards versus the national minimum wage
While EL2 is not award-covered roles, but the contrast shows how far above the floor these executives sit. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, annualised $52,255 (index 48.2). An EL2 salary is typically 2.8 to 3.5 times that. Even a senior manager on an EL2 salary is not subject to award rates, but the comparison highlights the difference between the award minima rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026, but that does not affect EL2. pay guides
State and agency differences
EL2 salaries vary across agencies. The DTA agreement shows EL2.1 to EL2.5 from 2026: $148,762 to $176,338. Treasury's agreement has higher rates: $167,708 to $192,469. The National Archives of Australia (NAA) lower: $147,889 to $160,006. These differences reflect agency size and role. The state indices show NSW index 101.2, VIC 98, WA 106.9, ACT 109.9. EL2 salaries in Canberra (ACT) are common, and the ACT index of 109.9 is already above national line, but EL2 still far exceeds that. states
How the salary index works
The index is annual gross ordinary-time earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. For an EL2 earning $176,338, index = 162.7. This method shows where a pay figure sits against the average. The index is not a quote for a person or job offer. how the index works
Tax and super considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. For an EL2 salary of $167,708, super adds about $20,125 per year. Resident tax rates for 2026-27: nil to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. An EL2 on $167,708 falls in the 37% bracket (plus 2% Medicare). Take-home after tax and Medicare (excluding HELP) is roughly $117,000. topics
Conclusion
EL2 salary is a senior public service pay level, set by enterprise agreements, not awards. It sits well above the national line, with indices from 137 to 178. The keyword el2 salary reflects a classification that commands a premium over the average worker, and far above the national minimum wage. For precise figures, refer to your agency's enterprise agreement. The Salary Index helps contextualise where these roles sit in the broader Australian earnings landscape.
Questions people ask
Is EL2 salary covered by a modern award?
No. EL2 is a classification in the Australian Public Service, and its pay is set by enterprise agreements negotiated between agencies and unions. Modern awards cover lower-paid industries and occupations, not senior executive roles like EL2.
How does EL2 salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year (index 48.2). Even the lowest EL2 salary ($148,762) is nearly three times that, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
What is the salary index for an EL2 earning $167,708?
The salary index is calculated as annual salary divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. For $167,708, the index is about 154.8, meaning the EL2 earns roughly 55% more than the average full-time worker.