Civil Service grades explained
From most junior to most senior, with what each grade typically involves and what live adverts are paying. Open a grade for more detail.
Administrative Assistant (AA)
Entry-level or junior roles, usually in administrative support or operational delivery.
21 live adverts · typically £30,500
Administrative Officer (AO)
Entry-level or junior roles, usually in administrative support or operational delivery. Entry is by direct application or apprenticeship.
167 live adverts · typically £28,000 to £34,900
Executive Officer (EO)
Typically junior management roles working in a team under the direction of a team leader.
170 live adverts · typically £30,700 to £34,400
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Middle management roles such as project managers and team leaders. Fast Stream trainees join at this grade.
194 live adverts · typically £36,600 to £41,400
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Mid-level management roles that often manage teams and projects, and may draft briefings for ministers.
231 live adverts · typically £45,900 to £50,000
Grade 7 (G7)
Senior manager roles handling complex work, usually needing a number of years' experience.
189 live adverts · typically £59,800 to £65,600
Grade 6 (G6)
Very senior management roles that provide expert advice and are accountable for delivering a programme of work.
69 live adverts · typically £75,000 to £78,700
Senior Civil Service Pay Band 1 (SCS1)
The first Senior Civil Service pay band, corresponding to Deputy Director roles.
38 live adverts · typically £86,000 to £101,900
Live figures as of 11 October 2026, from public adverts. Pay ranges are the middle half of advertised salaries. See salaries and grades for official pay bands.
Above Pay Band 1, the Senior Civil Service also has Director (Pay Band 2), Director General (Pay Band 3) and Permanent Secretary (Pay Band 4) levels.