Looking to land a high-paying government job in Australia? The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers some of the most competitive roles in the public sector — complete with attractive salaries, generous benefits, and strong job security.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the highest paying ATO jobs, what they involve, and how you can apply for them successfully.
💼 Why Consider a Career with the ATO?
- Excellent pay even at entry-level
- Strong focus on work-life balance
- Opportunities for career progression
- Remote and hybrid work flexibility
- One of the largest and most stable federal employers in Australia
🔗 Learn more: ATO Careers Overview
🏆 Top 10 Highest Paying ATO Jobs in 2025
1. Senior Executive Service (SES Band 2 and 3)
- Salary: $250,000 – $320,000+
- Role: Oversees major divisions like Law, IT Transformation, or Compliance Strategy. Makes high-level decisions for national tax policy execution.
- 📖 Source: APS Remuneration Data – SES Salary Overview (Dec 2023)
2. Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Salary: $260,000 – $310,000
- Role: Leads all digital infrastructure and cybersecurity for the ATO. Crucial for the agency’s digital future.
3. Chief Legal Counsel
- Salary: $240,000 – $300,000
- Role: Heads the legal division, handling litigation, legislation, and legal interpretations related to tax law.
4. Director – Complex Audit (SES Band 1)
- Salary: $180,000 – $230,000
- Role: Leads audits on multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Deep forensic skills required.
5. Data Science Director
- Salary: $170,000 – $220,000
- Role: Oversees data analytics for taxpayer behavior, risk profiling, and AI-driven compliance.
6. Director – Fraud Prevention and Investigation
- Salary: $160,000 – $200,000
- Role: Manages teams that detect and investigate serious tax fraud or evasion.
- 📖 Source: ATO Tax Avoidance Taskforce – how the ATO tackles large-scale fraud and evasion
7. Enterprise Architect (IT)
- Salary: $150,000 – $190,000
- Role: Designs the ATO’s digital ecosystems and future-proofs IT infrastructure.
8. Assistant Commissioner (Various Divisions)
- Salary: $145,000 – $180,000
- Role: Leads departments such as Superannuation, GST, or Small Business Tax Compliance.
9. Cybersecurity Manager
- Salary: $130,000 – $170,000
- Role: Protects taxpayer data and ATO infrastructure from cyber threats.
- 📖 Source: ASD Cyber Skills Framework (ACSC, 2020)
10. Principal Technical Advisor – Law and Policy
- Salary: $120,000 – $160,000
- Role: Provides technical advice on tax rulings, legislation, and interpretation of complex laws.
💡 TL;DR: Roles in executive leadership, tech, law, and compliance offer the highest earning potential at the ATO in 2025.
🎯 What Skills Are In-Demand at the ATO?
- Cybersecurity & cloud computing
- Tax law and legislation
- AI, data analytics & machine learning
- Agile delivery & digital project management
- Public policy advisory & stakeholder management
🔗 Source: ATO Graduate Programs & Entry-level Pathways
📍 Where to Find ATO Job Vacancies
- APSJobs.gov.au – Official job board for the Australian Public Service
- ATO Careers Portal – Search current vacancies, sign up for job alerts, and learn about working at the ATO
- LinkedIn Australia and Seek.com.au
Set job alerts for positions like "APS6", "EL1", or "SES Band" for better targeting.
📝 How to Apply for ATO Jobs in 2025 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Register on APSJobs
Create a free account on APSJobs and filter for ATO or federal government jobs.
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume to APS Standards
Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your experience and impact.
🔗 Source: APS “Cracking the Code” – Applying for an APS Job
Step 3: Respond to Selection Criteria
Address each point in the job ad with short, powerful examples of your work.
Example:
“Demonstrated analytical skills…”
- Conducted tax compliance reviews for 20+ SMEs, identifying $750K in under-reported income.
Step 4: Submit & Track Online
Apply through APSJobs or ATO Careers Portal. You may need to complete aptitude or cognitive assessments.
Step 5: Prepare for a Behavioral Interview
ATO interviews align with the Integrated Leadership System (ILS). Be ready to show how you’ve demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and innovation.
