Salary at Department of Defence

Compared to other private company, not bad. Considering the work and life balance, very good.

Pay is competitive and generous given experience of graduates

Happy with my pay currently, but aware of how it compares to rest of government.

Given the nature of the work, pay should be in the top 3 for APS (currently sitting in the bottom 3).

Higher than other graduate programs, but lower than other engineering companies afterwards with not much opportunity for increases until the EL1/EL2 levels which is more management than engineering. Contractors with defence typically earn 20% more for doing the same work

As a graduate, there are no bonuses and you are not eligible for pay rise due to performance. After finishing the grad program, your APS level determines your pay bracket, and performance determines whether you rise to the top of that bracket in steps. For the hours required the salary is very fair, however, the dissatisfactions comes from myself being an engineer and the average pay for engineers in APS is noticeably less than in industry, but the hours to mostly compensate for this when compared to most industry jobs expected hours.

No bonuses, but pay is above average for my experience and entry level, with really good Super as well.

For a graduate salary I think my pay is excellent.

No bonuses. Pay is great.

Pay is good enough as a grad, but looking forward pay grades move up very slowly, need 2 or 3 promotions and sustained years at the organisation to get to a decent pay level.

We are a federal government department so bonuses don't exist.

The amount I make is solid to cover my living expenses and for the hours I work. However, it's less certain if it's generous compared to similar equivalent positions.

Very nice. A lot more than my last graduate position.

Good pay for intro level engineer, once you progress up the pay is quite different to private sector for same level of experience

I am satisfied and have no issues with pay/bonuses at my company.

Graduates should get share of bonuses. Pay should increase with inflation.

Free parking, flex leave, moving and relocation reimbursement

Potential for free travel to defence events or similar. Training opportunities are also incredibly valuable.

Opportunities to experience defence related events, products and studies.

Superannuation is generous and relocation expenses are covered to allow for interstate travel. Many travel expenses are also covered when attending conferences etc.

Relocation process organised and paid for

Opportunity to travel for work where the company pays for flights, accommodation, meals, taxi etc. Annual leave is good. We get flex leave, an additional day of unspecified leave and Christmas stand-down where we don't need to use our annual leave for.

Moving expenses during the grad program, opportunity to live om base during rotation for no cost, chance to go to sea on Navy ships, flights with airforce.

Learning opportunities at start of the year for graduate cohort include e.g. tour of Australian War Memorial. Graduate social committee

As a grad, I had accommodation and meals provided for my first few weeks after I moved to Canberra to start the program. I think the biggest perk for me is all the travel I've been able to do. I've visited Defence bases across Australia, in places most people will never get to see.

As a Graduate you sometimes get to do some really cool things - flying on Air Force planes, visiting bases, etc.

If required to move, removal expenses are sometimes covered by Defence. Defence also has a great Defence Reserves Leave policy for any army, navy, or air force reserve members.

International exposure, depending on area.

In the graduate program it would be moving expenses. They'll move your belongings and car which was good.

Comprehensive relocation allowance.

Higher than average superannuation. Free travel on work functions, free relocations, temporary accommodation on relocation. Opportunities to gain a Masters degree, work/life balance, good prospects if you work for the ADF in a reservist role.

Work related travel is great. Moving expenses covered was very useful.

Smart Salary to salary package super, car, and several other expenses. We also get 1 miscellaneous leave day called DECA Day ontop of our annual leave