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ATO salary: How Australian Taxation Office pay compares to the national average

The exact average ATO salary is not published in the sources used here, but typical ATO roles under the APS enterprise agreement range from around $60,000 to over $150,000, placing many positions near or above the national full-time average of $108,352.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

ATO salary and the national average

When we talk about ‘ATO salary’, we’re referring to the pay earned by employees of the Australian Taxation Office. As one of the largest federal government agencies, the ATO employs thousands of people across Australia in roles ranging from entry-level administrative support to senior executive leadership. Understanding where ATO salaries sit relative to the national full-time average helps both current and prospective employees gauge their earning position.

The national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings stand at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year, based on the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This figure is the ‘line’ used on this site. It represents the average gross weekly pay for full-time adults before tax, excluding overtime. For comparison, the full-time median (the middle point) is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.

Where ATO pay sits

ATO employees are covered by the Australian Public Service Enterprise Agreement, which sets salary ranges for each classification level. While the exact average ATO salary is not published in the sources used here, typical ranges are publicly known. Entry-level APS 1 roles start around $60,000, while senior executives (SES Band 1, 2, 3) can earn well over $150,000. Mid-level classifications such as APS 5 and APS 6 often fall between $80,000 and $100,000, placing them close to the national full-time average. Higher classifications like Executive Level 1 (EL 1) and EL 2 typically range from $110,000 to $140,000, putting them above the average.

Location also matters. The ATO has major offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin. Canberra-based employees receive a higher salary allowance, which can push pay above the national average. State full-time averages vary: for example, the ACT average is about $119,090, while Tasmania’s is about $96,008. An ATO employee in Canberra earning at the EL 1 level would likely be above the ACT average, while an APS 3 in Hobart might be below the Tasmanian average but still above the national minimum wage.

What moves ATO pay above or below the average

Several factors determine whether an ATO salary sits above or below the national full-time average of $108,352:

  • Classification and pay point: The most significant factor. Lower APS levels (1–4) generally fall below the average; higher levels (EL 1 and above) exceed it.
  • Location allowances: Canberra and remote locations attract additional pay, lifting total remuneration.
  • Role specialisation: Technical roles such as IT specialists, lawyers, and forensic accountants may attract higher pay points or retention allowances.
  • Performance and tenure: Annual performance increments and long-service benefits can increase pay over time.
  • Salary packaging: Some ATO employees can package items like cars or superannuation, affecting take-home pay but not gross earnings.

It’s also worth noting that the ATO’s enterprise agreement is renegotiated periodically, and future wage increases will affect how ATO salaries compare to the national average. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings series is updated twice a year (May and November), so the comparison point shifts over time.

How the figures are set

The national average used on this site comes from the ABS Survey of Average Weekly Earnings, which measures the level of average gross weekly earnings for employee jobs in Australia. It is not a median or a minimum, but a mean that can be influenced by compositional changes in the workforce. For ATO salaries, the relevant benchmark is the APS Enterprise Agreement, which is determined through bargaining between the government and unions. The Fair Work Commission also plays a role in setting minimum wages for award-covered employees, but ATO staff are covered by a specific agreement.

If you’d like to see how your own ATO salary compares, you can place a salary on the line and see the distance from the national average. You can also explore states and territories to see how location affects pay, or check job medians for specific roles. For more on how the figures are sourced, see How the figures are set.

Key takeaways

  • The national full-time average is about $108,352 per year (ABS, May 2026).
  • ATO salaries vary widely by classification, from around $60,000 to over $150,000.
  • Mid-level ATO roles often sit near the national average; senior roles are above.
  • Location allowances and role specialisation can push pay above the average.
  • The ATO’s enterprise agreement is the primary determinant of pay levels.

For further reading, visit About this site to understand the methodology behind the salary line, or browse Industry medians to see how government administration compares to other sectors.

Questions

What is the average salary at the ATO?

The Australian Taxation Office does not publish a single average salary figure in the sources available here. However, as a large federal government agency, its employees are covered by the Australian Public Service Enterprise Agreement, which sets salary ranges for each classification level. Entry-level APS 1 roles start around $60,000, while senior executives (SES) can earn well over $150,000. The ATO’s annual report typically discloses total salary expenditure and headcount, which can be used to estimate an average, but that figure is not included in the ABS or Fair Work data used on this site.

How does ATO pay compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Many ATO roles at mid-level classifications (APS 5 to APS 6) fall close to this average. Lower classifications sit below it, while higher classifications (EL 1, EL 2, SES) are above. Location allowances for Canberra or remote postings can also push ATO salaries above the national average. The all-employees median of $74,100 is lower, so even entry-level ATO roles typically exceed that median.

What factors affect ATO salary levels?

ATO salaries are determined by the APS classification structure, which is set through enterprise bargaining. Key factors include: classification level (APS 1 to SES 3), tenure (ongoing vs. fixed-term), location (Canberra receives a higher allowance), and specific role (e.g., tax auditors, IT specialists, legal officers may attract higher pay points). Performance bonuses and salary packaging can also affect total remuneration. The ATO’s enterprise agreement is publicly available on the Fair Work Commission website, but the precise salary for a given role depends on the individual’s classification and pay point.

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