Is the Rank Jump
Actually Worth It?
Calculate the real take-home difference between ranks, accounting for tax-bracket shifts, NI, and higher pension tiers.
Analysis Notice: Based on 2026 police pay scales and UK tax regulations.
Executive Summary
Promotion is more than a gross salary increase.
It is a shift in fixed deductions and overtime eligibility.
Many officers find that the move from Constable to Sergeant (or Sergeant to Inspector) results in a surprisingly small change to their monthly disposable income.
This is driven by three primary factors:
Promotion Reality Checker
Compare any two salary points and model your overtime to see the net result.
Rank Switch Analysis
Promotion Reality Checker
Current Role
Target Role
Projected Net Monthly Change
(£0 per year after tax, NI & pension)
Caveat: Estimates based on 1257L tax code and 2015 CARE pension contributions. Overtime is treated as non-pensionable (but taxable & subject to NI). Actual take-home will vary based on individual circumstances.
The Promotion Trap Explained
"I promoted to Sergeant and I'm actually worse off." This is a common refrain in Force control rooms and locker rooms. While technically rare to be *literally* worse off in basic net pay, once you factor in the loss of 1.5x overtime rates, the statement can become reality.
Tax & National Insurance
A Constable at the top of the scale (Point 7) is already approaching the Higher Rate (40%) tax threshold. Promotion typically pushes you over this line. Every £1 of your pay rise is now taxed at 40%, whereas your Constable salary was largely taxed at 20%.
Pension Tier Shifting
Police pension contributions are tiered. If your promotion takes you from the "Standard" tier to the "Higher" tier (currently ~£60.5k), your entire salary is now subject to the higher percentage deduction. This further erodes the perceived gain.
The Inspector Jump:
Overtime Zero-Out
Promotion to Inspector is often a net financial loss for 'active' Sergeants.
Because Inspectors are typically entitled to Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) rather than paid overtime, a Sergeant who previously boosted their income with 10-20 hours of OT a month will see a significant drop in their bank balance, despite the higher basic salary of an Inspector.
Policy Note
Overtime is a pay element for Sergeants, but a lifestyle choice for Inspectors.
3 Pillars of Promotion Pay
Acting Up Allowance
When "Acting Up" in a higher rank, you are typically paid the minimum salary for that rank. However, you retain your previous rank's overtime rules for the first 56 days (variable by force).
Temporary Promotion
Temporary promotion is fully pensionable. Unlike Acting Up, you are treated as the higher rank for all purposes, including the potential loss of overtime eligibility if moving to Inspector.
The Two-Rate Rule
If your new rank's basic pay is lower than your previous rank's legacy housing allowances (rare now), complex rules apply to ensure you aren't financially penalised for promoting.
Related Pay Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more do Sergeants earn than Constables?
A top-rate Constable earns ~£48,231. A newly promoted Sergeant starts around £51,100. However, after higher pension contributions and tax, the monthly net increase is often smaller than expected.
Is there a 'Promotion Trap' in the police?
Yes. Because promotion often coincides with a higher pension contribution tier and potential entry into the 40% tax bracket, a gross pay rise of £3,000 can result in as little as £120 extra take-home pay per month.
Do Inspectors get overtime?
Generally no. Inspectors and Chief Inspectors usually do not claim overtime. This can lead to a net pay drop for Sergeants who previously worked high volumes of overtime.
Is the pay rise pensionable?
Yes. Basic salary increases are fully pensionable in the 2015 CARE scheme. While take-home may feel tight, you are backing more retirement value each month.