Pick your rank and pay point on the police pay scales to see your gross salary and what actually lands in your bank account — after Income Tax, National Insurance and your police pension contribution.
England & Wales · pension included
Police officers in England and Wales are paid on a national pay scale set after recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body. A new police constable starts on the bottom point and moves up roughly one point a year until they reach the top of the constable scale, after which a promotion to sergeant, inspector or above is needed to earn more. On top of basic pay, officers in and around London receive a London weighting and may earn shift, overtime and dog-handler or firearms allowances.
| Rank | Approx. gross 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Constable (starting) | £29,900 |
| Constable (top) | £48,800 |
| Sergeant | £50,000–£54,000 |
| Inspector | £62,000–£68,000 |
| Chief Inspector | £69,000–£72,000 |
Most officers are members of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, with contribution rates tiered by pensionable pay (roughly 12.44% to 13.78%). Because contributions use a net-pay arrangement, they cut your taxable salary. Compare your wider deductions with the salary calculator or check your marginal rate on the income tax calculator.
A new police constable in England and Wales starts on roughly £29,900 and progresses to around £48,800 at the top of the constable scale, plus London weighting and any shift or overtime allowances. After tax, NI and the police pension a starter takes home around £1,900–£2,000 a month.
Most officers are in the Police Pension Scheme 2015 with tiered contributions of roughly 12.44% to 13.78% of pensionable pay. It is deducted before Income Tax, so it lowers your tax bill and your real cost is less than the headline rate.
No — this estimate shows basic pay plus your pension only. Officers in the Metropolitan Police and surrounding forces receive a London weighting and London allowance on top, which you would add to your gross salary.
Yes. Overtime and shift allowances are taxed as normal pay at your marginal Income Tax and National Insurance rate. Because they stack on top of your salary, the tax on each extra pound can be higher than on your basic pay.
