What is the VPS salary 2025 minimum?

The VPS salary 2025 is not a single figure; it depends on the classification level and the applicable enterprise agreement. The legal minimum for any employee in Australia, including VPS staff not covered by an award or agreement, is the national minimum wage of $24.95 per hour (or $948 per week) from 1 July 2025. However, most VPS employees are covered by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement, which sets higher rates. Without the specific agreement, we cannot provide an exact VPS minimum, but it is well above the national floor.

Does the national minimum wage apply to VPS employees?

Yes, the national minimum wage applies as a safety net to all national-system employees, including those in the Victorian Public Service, unless they are covered by a state award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate. Since VPS employees are typically covered by an enterprise agreement, their base pay rate cannot be less than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides tools to check compliance.

How do VPS salaries compare to the national minimum wage?

VPS salaries are generally significantly higher than the national minimum wage. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2025 is $24.95 per hour, while VPS classification levels (such as VPS2, VPS3, etc.) under the enterprise agreement typically start well above $30 per hour. The exact comparison depends on the classification and the agreement. Employers must also pay superannuation (12% on top of ordinary time earnings, as of 2026-27, but check the current rate) on top of the salary. For precise VPS rates, refer to the current Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.

VPS Salary 2025: Which Pay Floor Applies and How It Compares

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2025 is $24.95 per hour, but VPS salaries are set by enterprise agreements and are generally higher.

VPS Salary 2025: Understanding the Pay Floor

When searching for VPS salary 2025 information, many people want to know the minimum they can expect or how a specific offer compares to the legal baseline. This guide separates the legal minimum from award rates, enterprise agreement rates, and survey averages. We rely on official sources such as the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.

The National Minimum Wage as a Floor

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage is $948 per week (based on a 38-hour week) or $24.95 per hour. Casual employees receive at least $31.19 per hour, which includes a 25% casual loading. This rate applies to adult employees in the national system who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement.

However, this is only the floor. Most employees, including those in the Victorian Public Service (VPS), are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. The national minimum wage acts as a safety net: no employee’s base pay rate can fall below it.

VPS Salary 2025: Enterprise Agreements, Not a Single Rate

The term VPS salary 2025 does not refer to a single figure. Victorian Public Service salaries are determined by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement (the current agreement is the VPS Enterprise Agreement 2024, which covers the 2025 period). These agreements set pay rates for each classification level (e.g., VPS2, VPS3, VPS4, etc.). The rates are typically much higher than the national minimum wage. For example, a VPS2 officer might earn around $60,000 to $70,000 per year, while a VPS4 could earn over $90,000. Exact figures depend on the classification and any annual increases negotiated in the agreement.

Because we do not have the full enterprise agreement text in this guide, we cannot provide precise VPS salary 2025 rates. For accurate information, refer to the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement or contact your employer or union.

What People Often Mix Up

A common confusion is treating the national minimum wage as the “standard” salary for all workers. In reality, the national minimum wage is the legal minimum for award-free and agreement-free employees. Most workers are covered by an award or agreement that mandates higher pay. For VPS employees, the enterprise agreement is the primary document setting wages, not the national minimum wage order.

Another mix-up is between the legal minimum and survey averages. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings. For May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. These averages are much higher than the national minimum wage and reflect the broader labour market, not the legal floor.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing any salary, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if a VPS employee earns $70,000 per year, the employer must pay an additional $8,400 into their super fund. This is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra cost to the employer.

Award Rates and the Backstop

Even if an employee is covered by a modern award, the award rate cannot fall below the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot be less than $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. There is also an introductory rate (first 6 months) of $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. These award backstops ensure that award-covered employees always receive at least the national minimum wage.

For VPS employees, the enterprise agreement will set rates above these award backstops, so the award rates are not directly relevant unless the agreement references them.

How to Check Your Pay

If you are a VPS employee or employer, the best way to confirm correct pay is to:

Read the current Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator (available on the [Fair Work Ombudsman website) to check award coverage or compare rates.
Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice.

For general information on minimum wages, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and Rate tables.

Summary

The VPS salary 2025 is not a single number; it is determined by the VPS enterprise agreement. The legal floor for all Australian employees is the national minimum wage of $24.95 per hour (from 1 July 2025). VPS salaries are significantly higher. Always check the applicable agreement for exact rates, and remember that super is paid on top. For award-free employees, junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates may apply. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage; the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces it.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.