Many APS ICT professionals wonder whether contracting would pay better -
and by how much.
This guide compares APS employment with contracting in practical terms: pay, delivery expectations, recruiter quality, and the trade-offs that matter before you make a move.
Quick answer
Moving from the APS into ICT contracting can make sense when your skills are in demand, the numbers work after realistic allowances, and you have a recruiter who explains the role, rate, and pathway clearly. It should be a measured decision, not a reaction to a headline rate.
Key takeaways
- Contracting can increase gross income, but you need to compare leave, super, tax, structure, and risk properly.
- APS employment and contracting reward different things: tenure and classification versus market-valued capability and delivery fit.
- The recruiter relationship matters because it affects role context, rate clarity, and support through the transition.
- A practical first step is to compare your current APS level with realistic Canberra ICT contract rates.
APS 6 Salary
$96k-$115k
per year
Contracting (equivalent level)
$220k-$260k
per year (based on typical daily rates of $950-$1100)
Contractors typically earn 2-3x their APS salary on a gross basis. Tax treatment depends on your business structure - speak with an accountant about your specific situation.
The APS and contracting reward different things.
Contracting can place a stronger emphasis on market-valued skills.
After years, sometimes decades, in the APS, most ICT professionals are significantly underpaid relative to their actual market value. The classification system, salary bands, and annual increments were designed for a different era of the public service.
Meanwhile, the same agencies that employ you permanently are paying contractors beside you materially more on a gross basis for similar work, often without the same departmental context or tenure.
Contracting doesn't mean giving up stability. It means pricing yourself at what the market, including your own agency, says your skills are actually worth.
Your rate reflects your market value
Not a band, not an increment, not what HR approved. What skilled ICT professionals actually command.
You choose your engagements
Work on projects that interest you, with teams that suit you. Build a contracting career around challenge, variety, and the kind of work you want to do.
Your super, your terms
You control your superannuation, your leave provisions, your structure. The flexibility is yours, and so is the accountability.
We support you through the transition
From timing your move to working through notice periods, procurement steps, interviews, approvals, and setup, we help you navigate the process with clarity.
What would you actually earn?
Select your APS level and discipline. We'll show you the realistic contracting range for equivalent roles in the Canberra market, and the difference it makes to your annual position.
APS Salary Range
$96k-$115k
per year, APS 6
Contracting Rate
$115-$135/hr
Testing / QA · APS 6 equivalent
The Difference
$75k-$127k
more per year, contracting
Annual income comparison
Rates shown are indicative only and reflect typical Canberra market ranges as of early 2026. Actual rates vary by program, clearance, agency, specific skills, and engagement type.
Annual equivalent assumes 220 working days at 37.5 hours per week. Super (12%) is included in the contract rates and is allocated to your superannuation provider by your payroll provider. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, so speak with a qualified accountant before relying on any comparison.
The things that hold people back.
x"I'll lose my job security"
Skilled ICT contractors in Canberra are in near-constant demand. Most of our contractors move from one engagement to the next with little or no gap. For many people, that consistent demand provides more practical security than a permanent title alone.
x"The paperwork and setup is complicated"
We walk you through all the steps to get you up and running. We also provide practical guidance on leave planning and the other areas that work differently in contracting compared with the APS, so the process feels clear and well supported.
x"I'll miss out on leave and entitlements"
A strong contract rate usually reflects the different leave and super structure, but you still need to compare the numbers carefully. Look at the gross contract value, leave planning, and your own super arrangements before making the move.
x"I don't know if my skills are 'contractor level'"
If you're excelling in your APS role and looking for a rewarding, challenging career path, contracting may be a strong fit. It suits people who back their skills, value variety, and want to be recognised accordingly.
We've done this before.
Many times.
Hyperion IT specialises in helping experienced APS ICT professionals make the move to contracting. We understand the psychology of the transition, not just the paperwork. We've helped testers, project managers, business analysts, architects, and developers make the jump with confidence.
Our model is fully transparent and built around contractor clarity. You know exactly where you stand, what your engagement looks like, and what to expect. No surprises, no fine print, and no vague answers. That clarity is what makes us different, and it starts from the very first conversation.
Start the ConversationOne conversation
Tell us where you are and what you're thinking. No commitment, no hard sell. Just an honest discussion about what's possible.
We map out your options
Based on your level, discipline and clearance, we'll show you realistic contracting rates and help you understand your full financial picture.
We handle the transition
From company structure advice to contract paperwork, onboarding, and beyond, we make the process as painless as possible.
You start earning what you're worth
You move into contracting with clearer expectations, stronger support, and an agency built around transparency and contractor outcomes.
You've been thinking about this for a while, haven't you?
The first conversation is simply a chance to compare your APS position with the current contracting market and decide whether the numbers and conditions make sense for you.