Understanding Your SES Band 1 Salary After Tax

Introduction

If you are an Australian resident earning a Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1 salary, you want to know exactly how much lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. While the Australian Public Service does not publish a single SES Band 1 figure in the search results we accessed, you can still work out your take-home pay using the 2026–27 tax rates and Medicare thresholds. This guide walks you through the calculation, using the latest official information from the Australian Taxation Office and Moneysmart.

How Tax Works for SES Band 1

Your ses band 1 salary is subject to the same progressive tax rates as any other Australian resident. For the 2026–27 income year, the rates are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• $190,001 and over: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

These rates are from the Australian Taxation Office’s tax tables, updated for the 2026–27 year. The tax cuts from the Treasury Laws Amendment (More Cost of Living Relief) Act 2025 are already included.

To estimate your tax, subtract your taxable income from each bracket and multiply by the rate. For example, if your SES Band 1 salary is $150,000, your tax (excluding Medicare) would be:

• First $18,200: $0
• Next $26,800 (to $45,000): $4,020
• Next $90,000 (to $135,000): $27,000
• Next $15,000 (to $150,000): $5,550
• Total tax: $36,570

Medicare Levy and Thresholds

Most full-time employees pay the Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. The latest single-person thresholds published by the ATO are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is below $28,011 you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate (10c per dollar over $28,011). Above $35,013 you pay the full 2%. Since SES Band 1 salaries are well above $35,013, you will pay the full 2% – that’s $3,000 on a $150,000 salary.

Superannuation Considerations

Your employment contract may state your salary as “plus super”. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. If your salary is quoted as base plus super, the super contribution is not deducted from your take-home pay – it is paid on top. If your salary is quoted as total package including super, then the super component is deducted before tax. Always check your contract. For more on how super affects your pay, see our Super guide.

Take-Home Pay Calculation Example

Let’s assume your SES Band 1 salary is $150,000 (base, plus super). Your annual take-home after tax and Medicare would be:

• Tax: $36,570
• Medicare levy: $3,000 (2% of $150,000)
• Total deductions: $39,570
• Annual take-home: $110,430
• Fortnightly take-home: $110,430 ÷ 26 = $4,247.31

This is an estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, salary packaging, and payroll tax-table rounding. Use our Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

What If Your SES Band 1 Salary Is Different?

Because the search results do not provide a single SES Band 1 figure, you need to find your actual base salary from your agency. Once you have that number, apply the same steps: calculate tax using the 2026–27 rates, subtract 2% for Medicare, and divide by your pay frequency. The Tax and Medicare page has more details on offsets like the low-income tax offset (LITO) that may reduce your tax if your salary is under $66,667 – unlikely for SES Band 1.

Conclusion

Knowing your ses band 1 salary after tax is straightforward once you have the right rates. The Australian Taxation Office provides the tax tables and Medicare thresholds, while Fair Work publishes minimum pay guides for award-covered employees (SES roles are usually covered by enterprise agreements). Use the information above to estimate your take-home pay, and always consult your agency’s HR or a tax professional for your exact situation.