APS Jobs 2025: How to Start a Career in the Australian Public Service

What Are APS Jobs?

The Australian Public Service (APS) is the federal government's workforce, delivering public administration, policy development, and essential services across Australia. Governed by the Public Service Act 1999 and guided by values from the Australian Public Service Commission, the APS employs over 170,000 people as of June 2023, with numbers expected to grow in 2025 due to expanded government initiatives. APS roles span departments like Services Australia (handling Centrelink and Medicare), Defence, Treasury, and Home Affairs, each tackling unique national priorities.

Unlike state-level public services, such as iWorkForNSW, which focus on state-specific issues like transport or health, the APS operates nationally, influencing federal policy and programs. Whether you're in Sydney or overseas, understanding this distinction is key to targeting the right opportunities. Curious about broader government roles? Explore our guide to federal government jobs for more insights.

Benefits of Working in the APS

Joining the APS in 2025 offers a stable and rewarding career, backed by standout benefits that attract Australians and global talent alike. According to the programs/aps-workforce-strategy-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APS Workforce Strategy 2025, here are the top perks:

• Job Security and Stability: The APS offers robust employment protections, with low turnover rates and government-backed stability.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid and part-time options are common, with 69% of employees citing flexibility as a key benefit.
• Generous Leave Entitlements: Enjoy maternity leave (exp acing to 18 weeks by 2026), personal leave, and study leave for work-life balance.
• Superannuation Contributions: A 15.4% contribution, higher than many private sector roles, ensures long-term financial security.
• Clear Promotion Pathways: Structured career progression through APS classifications (APS 1-6, EL1-2, SES) with lateral movement opportunities.

Interested in other government roles? Check out Defence jobs or visit our career blog for more career tips.

Common APS Roles in 2025

APS roles are diverse, catering to various skill levels and interests, as outlined by the APSC work level standards. Here's a breakdown:

• APS Level 1–4: Entry-level roles like administrative assistants, call center operators, or service delivery officers, focusing on routine tasks. Interested in similar roles? See our guide to administrative assistant jobs.
• APS Level 5–6: Mid-level roles such as policy officers, analysts, or program managers, handling complex research and policy tasks.
• EL1–EL2 (Executive Level): Senior roles like advisors, managers, or team leads, focusing on leadership and strategy.
• Graduate Programs: Agencies like ATO, DFAT, PM&C, and CSIRO recruit around 1200 graduates annually via a new portal on apsjobs.gov.au.
• Specialized Roles: Data analysts, HR, communications, legal, IT, and finance roles are in demand, with a 1810% rise in data science needs. Explore data analyst jobs for more.

The APS Workforce Strategy 2025 emphasizes digital transformation, impacting over 111,000 employees, with programs like TechLauncher boosting skills.

APS Salary Ranges in 2025

Salaries for 2025, based on the Parliament of Australia enterprise agreement, reflect a 3.4% increase from November 2024:

Agencies like Defence may pay slightly more due to pay fragmentation. Annual increases and band progression depend on performance, with Reddit users on r/AusPublicService noting the need for Deputy Secretary approval for pay bumps. For high-earning careers, see our guide to high-paying jobs.

How to Find and Apply for APS Jobs

The official portal, apsjobs.gov.au, lists jobs with detailed descriptions, selection criteria, and contact details. Other sources include agency websites and Gumtree for contract roles. The application process includes:

• Tailoring your resume to APS language, emphasizing transferable skills.
• Addressing selection criteria using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), as recommended on r/AusPublicService.
• Submitting via the portal, with a 4–8 week timeline, including interviews and clearances.

Insider tips from Reddit suggest applying for temporary registers to boost chances, as hiring can take 5–10 months. Need resume help? Try our Resume Builder to stand out.

APS Resume and Interview Tips

Landing an APS job requires a polished application and interview prep:

• Resume: Use APS-specific language, highlighting transferable skills, as advised on Glassdoor.
• Selection Criteria: Provide STAR-based examples, critical for success, per r/AusPublicService.
• Interviews: Prepare for video or panel interviews, researching agency values, with Reddit suggesting networking for insights.
• Security Clearances: Required for some roles, especially Defence, with details on apsjobs.gov.au.

For more interview strategies, check out our career blog or use our Resume Builder.

Entry Pathways: No Experience or Recent Graduates

The APS offers accessible entry points for newcomers, as per the APSC:

• Traineeships and Internships: Hands-on experience with potential for permanent roles, shared on r/AusPublicService.
• Indigenous and Disability Pathways: Targeted programs align with APS diversity goals.
• Career Starter Program: For school leavers entering the APS.
• Graduate Programs: Open mid-year for agencies like ATO and DFAT, per the APS Workforce Strategy 2025.

Interested in apprenticeships? Explore top apprenticeships for hands-on career starts.

Working in the APS as a Foreigner

Foreigners need valid visas, like permanent residency or citizenship, to apply, with roles in Defence or Home Affairs often requiring Australian citizenship, as noted on apsjobs.gov.au. Student visas rarely qualify, and sponsorship is uncommon unless you have in-demand skills like data science. Reddit users on r/AusPublicService highlight the competitive nature for non-citizens. For tech roles, see our guide to data scientist jobs.

APS Work Culture: What to Expect

The APS culture is hierarchical yet fair, emphasizing ethics, transparency, and public interest, with strong mental health programs and CPSU union presence, per the APS Workforce Strategy 2025. With 60% female employees and diversity initiatives, the APS fosters inclusion. Reddit threads on r/AusPublicService praise flexibility but note bureaucratic delays and dated tech. For similar service roles, check out customer service jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a degree for APS jobs? Not always, but many roles prefer relevant qualifications, as per APSC guidelines.
• Can I apply for multiple APS jobs at once? Yes, applying for multiple roles is encouraged to increase your chances, as advised on Reddit.
• How long is the probation period for APS jobs? Typically 12 months for ongoing roles, as detailed in enterprise agreements.
• Can I move between APS agencies? Yes, mobility between agencies is common, with success stories shared on Reddit.
• Are remote APS jobs available? Many roles offer remote or flexible options, with 89% of employees adapted post-COVID, per the APS Workforce Strategy 2025.