Policy Officer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Policy Officers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $128,631 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $100,000 and $128,631. That sits 43% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 48 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 67th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne
💰 Policy Officer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$100,000 – $128,631
Median: $128,631
Mid level $90,226 – $107,685
Overall $100k–$128k Mid $90k–$107k $87k $96k $105k $114k $123k $132k
Moderate confidence 48 listings · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 48 job listings for this role and city, 33.3% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 89.6% stated a salary directly. The remaining 10.4% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $100,000 Median  $128,631 $128,631  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

At 89.6% salary disclosure this is the best-evidenced figure in the entire report, which is what a mostly public sector role produces since government advertises classified pay points. The median and the ceiling are both $128,000, meaning listings cluster tightly at the top of a defined band rather than spreading. There is no June comparison, so no trend can be read yet. The mid band sits at $107,000 on 21 listings, well below the overall median, so most volume is at the senior classifications.

Take Home Pay (based on median $128,631)

Weekly (net)
~$1,796
Monthly (net)
~$7,783
Annual (net)
~$93,398
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $143,423

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Policy Officer in Melbourne?
The $100,000 floor assumes a relevant degree and prior policy or research experience, so this is not a graduate title. Mid-level listings run $90,000 to $107,000 with a median of $107,000 across 21 listings. Legislative analysis, briefing and submission writing, and stakeholder consultation are what listings name most often.
Is $128,631 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $128,000 a policy officer earns 42.9% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,796 a week. Because nearly nine listings in ten stated a salary outright, this is the most reliable figure in this entire report. Government classification structures are what produce both the high pay and the tight band.
How much does a Senior Policy Officer make in Melbourne?
The ceiling and the median are both $128,000, so this data shows no upper tail at all inside the title. Senior policy adviser, principal policy officer and director roles sit above it under different titles. Movement here is through classification levels rather than negotiation.

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.