AS vs PM vs EC: Comparing Federal Classification Groups
At PCO, I sit in meetings with AS, PM, and EC colleagues every week. We work on similar files, write similar briefing notes, and deal with the same deadlines. But our pay scales diverge significantly at the senior levels — an EC-05 maxes out at $115K while an AS-05 (same “seniority”) maxes at $104K. If you're planning your federal career, the classification you land in early on has real long-term financial consequences.
Quick Overview
| AS | PM | EC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Administrative Services | Programme Administration | Economics & Social Science |
| Levels | 7 (AS-01 to AS-07) | 6 (PM-01 to PM-06) | 8 (EC-01 to EC-08) |
| Salary Range | $61,786 – $129,017 | $61,786 – $129,017 | $62,871 – $159,046 |
| Union | PSAC (PA group) | PSAC (PA group) | CAPE (EC group) |
| Education | No minimum | No minimum | Bachelor's degree (min.) |
| Typical Work | Admin, operations, coordination | Program delivery, client service | Research, analysis, policy |
AS and PM Have the Same Pay Scale
One of the most common misconceptions is that AS and PM have different salaries. They don't. Both groups fall under the PA collective agreement negotiated by PSAC, and they share the exact same pay rates at every level and step.
An AS-04 at step 3 earns $87,108 — exactly the same as a PM-04 at step 3. The only difference is the type of work described in the job poster. This means deploying between AS and PM at the same level has zero impact on your pay.
EC Pays More at Higher Levels
While AS/PM and EC start at similar salaries at level 1, EC pulls ahead significantly at higher levels. EC also has 8 levels compared to AS's 7 and PM's 6, giving it a higher salary ceiling.
| Level | AS Max | PM Max | EC Max | EC Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $69,106 | $69,106 | $73,087 | +$3,981 |
| Level 2 | $74,180 | $74,180 | $80,642 | +$6,462 |
| Level 3 | $79,511 | $79,511 | $87,907 | +$8,396 |
| Level 4 | $87,108 | $87,108 | $97,051 | +$9,943 |
| Level 5 | $104,044 | $104,044 | $115,404 | +$11,360 |
| Level 6 | $129,017 | $129,017 | $131,375 | +$2,358 |
| Level 7 | $129,017 | — | $146,936 | +$17,919 |
| Level 8 | — | — | $159,046 | N/A |
At the top, an EC-08 maxes out at $159,046 while the highest AS level (AS-07) and PM level (PM-06) both cap at $129,017 — a difference of $30,029. Use the salary comparison tool to compare any classifications side by side.
Education Requirements
The biggest barrier to EC positions is the education requirement. EC positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in economics, sociology, or statistics. Increasingly, hiring managers prefer candidates with a master's degree.
AS and PM positions have no formal education requirement. While many AS and PM employees have degrees, the minimum qualification is based on experience rather than credentials. This makes AS and PM more accessible entry points into the public service.
Career Progression
AS Path
AS is the most versatile classification. AS positions exist in virtually every department and cover a wide range of functions: project coordination, operations management, executive assistants, team leads, and more. A typical career might go: AS-01 → AS-02 → AS-03 → AS-04 (team lead) → AS-05 → AS-06/07 (manager). Many people use AS as a stepping stone to EX (Executive).
PM Path
PM positions are concentrated in departments with significant program delivery mandates: ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada), IRCC (Immigration), CRA (Canada Revenue Agency), and VAC (Veterans Affairs). PM work tends to be more client-facing — processing applications, managing cases, delivering benefits. PM-06 is the highest non-management level.
EC Path
EC positions focus on research, data analysis, and policy development. They're common in central agencies (PCO, TBS, Finance) and policy shops across all departments. EC has the highest salary ceiling of the three groups and 8 levels, making it attractive for those who want to advance without moving into management. An EC-07 or EC-08 can be a senior policy advisor earning more than some executives.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose AS if: You want maximum flexibility, don't have a specific degree, and want to work across many departments and functions. It's the most portable classification.
- Choose PM if: You enjoy program delivery, client service, and case management. PM positions are abundant in service-delivery departments.
- Choose EC if: You have a relevant degree, enjoy research and analysis, and want the highest salary ceiling without moving into the executive cadre.
Remember: deploying between AS and PM at the same level is seamless (same pay, same union). Moving between AS/PM and EC requires a competitive process and the education credential.