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VPS4 salary: How it compares to the national full-time average

The exact VPS4 salary is not published in the available sources, but Victorian public sector averages are 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

VPS4 salary and the national full-time average

The VPS4 classification is a common grade in the Victorian Public Service, covering experienced officers, team leaders, and specialists. Because the ABS does not publish salary data by individual public service grades, the most reliable way to gauge where a VPS4 salary sits is to compare it with the national full-time average from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026.

The national line

The ABS reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings (seasonally adjusted) are $2,083.70, which works out to about $108,352 a year on a 38-hour week. This is the line used on this site. The all-employees median is lower, at about $74,100 a year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025), and the full-time median is about $90,532. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, or $52,255 a year on 38 hours, set by Fair Work.

Where Victoria sits

Victoria’s full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,041.10, or about $106,137 a year. That is slightly below the national average. However, the public sector across Australia earns more: $2,263.10 a week ($117,681 a year). VPS4 salaries are set by enterprise agreements, and many VPS4 roles pay above the state average, especially in central agencies or technical roles.

What could move a VPS4 salary above or below the line

Several factors can push a VPS4 salary higher or lower than the national full-time average:

  • Location: Working in Melbourne may attract a higher rate than regional Victoria, though enterprise agreements often standardise pay across the state.
  • Agency: Some departments (e.g., Treasury, Premier and Cabinet) have higher pay scales than others.
  • Experience and increments: VPS4 often has multiple pay points; annual increments can lift salary above the starting rate.
  • Allowances and overtime: Shift work, on-call, or managerial allowances can boost total earnings above ordinary-time earnings.
  • Part-time or fixed-term: Pro-rata arrangements reduce annualised pay, potentially below the full-time average.

Using the site’s tools

You can place a salary on the line to see how it compares week by week and year by year. The site also shows state and territory averages and job medians for a broader picture. Remember that the line is based on the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, and is updated twice a year (May and November).

The minimum wage and award rates

Fair Work increased the national minimum wage by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, to $26.44 an hour. Award minimums also rose by 4.75%. A VPS4 salary is well above these floors, but understanding the floor helps put the average in context.

Tax considerations

For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy adds 2% before any reductions. A VPS4 salary around $100,000–$120,000 would fall in the 30% bracket plus Medicare.

Summary

While the exact VPS4 salary is not published in the ABS data, the Victorian public sector average provides a useful benchmark. The national full-time average of $108,352 is a line that many VPS4 roles will cross, especially with allowances or after a few increments. For a precise comparison, check your enterprise agreement or use the How the figures are set page to understand the methodology.

Further reading

Remember: the ABS Average Weekly Earnings is a point-in-time measure and can be affected by changes in the composition of the workforce. It is not a median or a minimum, but a useful benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.

Questions

What is the VPS4 classification?

VPS4 is a grade in the Victorian Public Service, typically covering experienced officers, team leaders, or specialists. Salaries are set by enterprise agreements and vary by agency, but the classification generally sits above the national full-time average. The ABS does not publish VPS-specific figures, so the best reference is the Victorian public sector average weekly earnings.

How does the Victorian public sector average compare to the national average?

According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, the public sector full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings for Victoria is $2,041.10, or about $106,137 annually. This is slightly below the national full-time average of $2,083.70 ($108,352). However, the public sector average across Australia is $2,263.10 ($117,681), which is above the national line. VPS4 salaries may be influenced by enterprise agreements that push them above the state public sector average.

What could move a VPS4 salary above or below the average?

Location within Victoria, specific agency, years of service, and allowances can shift a VPS4 salary. For example, working in Melbourne versus regional Victoria may attract different rates. Enterprise agreements often include annual increments. The national full-time average is a benchmark; if a VPS4 role includes overtime or penalty rates, total earnings could exceed the ordinary-time average. Conversely, part-time or fixed-term arrangements might reduce annualised pay.

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