Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade base salaries for every APS and Executive Level pay point from 12 March 2026, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
An APS 4 at DFAT starts on $84,115, about $2,565 a fortnight after tax. An EL 1 starts on $127,351, about $3,695 a fortnight.
DFAT pay rates after tax
| Pay point | Salary | Take-home per fortnight | With HECS |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS 1.1 | $57,497 | $1,874 | $1,874 |
| APS 1.2 | $62,489 | $2,001 | $2,001 |
| APS 2.1 | $66,239 | $2,097 | $2,097 |
| APS 2.2 | $68,549 | $2,157 | $2,157 |
| APS 2.3 | $71,534 | $2,236 | $2,224 |
| APS 3.1 | $75,065 | $2,328 | $2,296 |
| APS 3.2 | $81,817 | $2,504 | $2,434 |
| APS 4.1 | $84,115 | $2,565 | $2,480 |
| APS 4.2 | $89,673 | $2,710 | $2,594 |
| APS 5.1 | $92,753 | $2,790 | $2,656 |
| APS 5.2 | $95,604 | $2,865 | $2,715 |
| APS 5.3 | $99,113 | $2,957 | $2,786 |
| APS 6.1 | $102,266 | $3,039 | $2,850 |
| APS 6.2 | $108,396 | $3,200 | $2,975 |
| APS 6.3 | $114,988 | $3,372 | $3,110 |
| EL 1.1 | $127,351 | $3,695 | $3,362 |
| EL 1.2 | $134,126 | $3,873 | $3,496 |
| EL 1.3 | $138,729 | $3,983 | $3,577 |
| EL 1.4 | $142,452 | $4,070 | $3,640 |
| EL 2.1 | $153,852 | $4,338 | $3,833 |
| EL 2.2 | $163,684 | $4,568 | $3,999 |
| EL 2.3 | $168,976 | $4,693 | $4,089 |
| EL 2.4 | $173,760 | $4,805 | $4,170 |
Pay points are numbered from the bottom of each level. Take-home is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27; allowances and super aren't included. Tap a salary to open it in the pay calculator.
Base salaries only. Staff posted overseas get separate allowances that are not shown here. APS 1–3 and APS 4–5 are broadbands.
Common questions
What is the APS 4 salary at DFAT?
$84,115 – $89,673 a year from 12 March 2026, or about $2,565 to $2,710 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
What is the APS 6 salary at DFAT?
$102,266 – $114,988 a year, about $3,039 to $3,372 a fortnight after tax.
What is the EL1 salary at DFAT?
$127,351 – $142,452 a year, about $3,695 to $4,070 a fortnight after tax.
Is super included?
No. Employer super is paid on top of these base salaries.
Are these the same in every APS agency?
No. Each agency sets its own pay points in its enterprise agreement, so the same level can pay differently. Compare agencies.
Other agencies: ATO · Treasury · Services Australia · Home Affairs · Defence · DVA · Fair Work Ombudsman · ABS · DAFF · compare all · compare agreements.
Compare one level across agencies: APS 1 · APS 2 · APS 3 · APS 4 · APS 5 · APS 6 · EL 1 · EL 2.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Enterprise Agreement 2024, Attachment A – Base salaries, rates from 12 March 2026. Checked 2026-10-15. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only.