VPS Salary 2026: Where Victorian Public Service Pay Sits on the Australian Salary Index

What is VPS Salary 2026?

VPS stands for Victorian Public Service. The term "VPS salary 2026" refers to the pay rates for employees working in Victorian government departments and agencies during the 2026 calendar year. Unlike many private sector roles that are covered by modern awards, VPS salaries are set through enterprise agreements negotiated between the Victorian Government and unions such as the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). These agreements typically run for several years and include annual wage increases, allowances, and conditions.

Because VPS salaries are not published in a single public database like the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database, finding a precise figure for "VPS salary 2026" is not straightforward. The web search for this keyword returned results for Australian Public Service (APS) salaries and general award pay guides, but no specific VPS pay table for 2026. However, we can use the Australian salary index to understand where VPS pay generally sits.

Where Does VPS Pay Sit on the Salary Index?

The salary index, as used by Salary Index, compares any yearly gross salary to the national line of 100. The national line is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A salary of $108,352 is index 100. Anything above is above average; below is below average.

Victoria’s state index is 98, meaning the average Victorian full-time worker earns about $106,137 annually. VPS salaries are generally structured to be competitive with the broader Victorian labour market. Entry-level VPS classifications (VPS 1 and VPS 2) might start around $60,000–$70,000, which would be an index of 55–65. Mid-level roles (VPS 4 and VPS 5) often range from $90,000 to $120,000, putting them between index 83 and 111. Senior executives (VPS 6 and above) can exceed $150,000, well above the national line.

It is important to note that these are rough estimates. Without a published VPS salary schedule for 2026, we cannot give exact index figures for each classification. The pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman cover award-covered roles, but VPS employees are not under those awards. Instead, their pay is governed by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024 (or later), which includes annual wage increases. For 2026, the increase is likely around 3–4%, consistent with public sector wage caps.

How VPS Salary Compares to Other States and Industries

Using the state indices from our on-site reference, we can see how Victoria compares:

• New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658 annualised)
• Victoria: index 98 ($106,137)
• Queensland: index 97.9 ($106,064)
• South Australia: index 94.6 ($102,450)
• Western Australia: index 106.9 ($115,825)
• Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008)
• Northern Territory: index 95.2 ($103,173)
• ACT: index 109.9 ($119,090)

Victoria sits slightly below the national average, but VPS pay is often above the state average for professional roles. For example, a VPS 5 policy officer might earn $110,000, which is index 101.5 – above the national line. In contrast, a VPS 2 administrative officer on $65,000 is index 60, below the state average.

Compared to industries, VPS salaries are similar to the Education and training sector (index 105.5) and Health care and social assistance (index 97.8). They are lower than Mining (index 154.7) but higher than Retail trade (index 75.9).

Awards, Super, and Tax Considerations

Even though VPS employees are not covered by modern awards, the national minimum wage and award minima provide a floor. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised $52,255 (index 48.2). No VPS role should fall below this. The junior national minimum percentages apply to under-21s, but VPS typically hires adults.

Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. VPS employers pay this on top of salary. For a VPS employee earning $100,000, the employer contributes $12,000 to super.

Resident tax rates for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) are:

• $0–$18,200: nil
• $18,201–$45,000: 15%
• $45,001–$135,000: 30%
• $135,001–$190,000: 37%
• Above $190,000: 45%

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A VPS employee on $100,000 would pay about $22,967 in tax plus $2,000 Medicare, leaving a take-home of about $75,033. These are estimates ignoring HELP or salary sacrifice.

How to Find VPS Salary 2026 Information

If you need exact VPS salary 2026 figures, the best sources are:

• The Victorian Government’s public sector enterprise agreements page
• The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) Victoria
• Your employer’s HR department

For a broader understanding of how pay compares across Australia, use the states page to see indices for each jurisdiction. The how the index works page explains the calculation in detail.

The Bottom Line

VPS salary 2026 is not a single number. It varies by classification, years of service, and the specific enterprise agreement. On the Australian salary index, most VPS roles likely fall between index 60 and 120, with the average around the Victorian state index of 98. Without published data, these are informed estimates. For precise figures, consult the relevant enterprise agreement or your employer.

For more on salary comparisons, see our topics page or read about pay guides for award-covered roles.