PP Police Pay

Police Pay Scales 2026

Official UK Salary Tables (Current 2024/25 Rates in Force)

Updated February 2026. Reviewed against latest PRRB publications and Home Office guidance.

As of February 2026, UK police pay scales remain those implemented on 1 September 2024. No new structural pay table has replaced them. These are the current official salary rates for Constables, Sergeants, Inspectors, and Chief Officers across England and Wales.

Current Pay Position (February 2026)

Status
2024/25 scales remain legally in force
Replacement
No 2025/26 structural replacement issued
Next Phase
Next expected update: September 2026
Implementation
Any award typically backdated to 1 September

What Is the Starting Police Salary in 2026?

The starting salary for a police constable in England and Wales in 2026 is £31,497 (Pay Point 0). Officers progress annually through incremental pay points to £48,231 at the top of the constable scale. Sergeants, Inspectors and higher ranks follow separate incremental structures. London allowances and overtime are paid in addition to basic salary.

Force Specific Calculation

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Constable

Effective 01/09/24
Pay Point Annual Salary
Pay Point 0 £31,497
Pay Point 1 £34,908
Pay Point 2 £36,801
Pay Point 3 £38,922
Pay Point 4 £40,083
Pay Point 5 £41,304
Pay Point 6 £44,748
Pay Point 7 £48,231

Sergeant

Effective 01/09/24
Pay Point Annual Salary
Pay Point 1 £49,578
Pay Point 2 £50,916
Pay Point 3 £51,954
Pay Point 4 £53,646

Inspector

Effective 01/09/24
Pay Point Annual Salary
Met/City Pay Point 0 £63,783
Met/City Pay Point 1 £65,454
Met/City Pay Point 2 £67,134
Met/City Pay Point 3 £68,808
Pay Point 0 £61,197
Pay Point 1 £62,865
Pay Point 2 £64,527
Pay Point 3 £66,143

Chief Inspector

Effective 01/09/24
Pay Point Annual Salary
Met/City Pay Point 1 £70,116
Met/City Pay Point 2 £71,427
Met/City Pay Point 3 £72,798
Pay Point 1 £67,509
Pay Point 2 £68,823
Pay Point 3 £70,307

Superintendent

Effective 01/09/24
Pay Point Annual Salary
Pay Point 1 £84,177
Pay Point 2 £88,449
Pay Point 3 £92,955
Pay Point 4 £99,015

Chief Superintendent

Effective 01/09/24
Pay Point Annual Salary
Pay Point 1 £99,612
Pay Point 2 £102,903
Pay Point 3 £111,117
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London Weighting & Allowances

Officers in London (Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and South East forces receive additional allowances.

London Weighting

£3,024

Pensionable. Met & City only.

London Allowance

£5,338

Non-pensionable (Allowance 1 & 2).

South East Allowance

Forces in the South East (e.g., Essex, Herts, Thames Valley, Surrey, Sussex, Kent) pay a variable allowance ranging from £2,000 to £3,000 per annum.

How Police Pay Scales Work

Incremental Progression

Officers move up one pay point annually on their service anniversary, until reaching the top of their rank's scale.

Base vs Allowances

The tables show basic pay. Overtime, London Weighting, and unsocial hours payments are added on top of this figure.

PRRB Process

The Police Remuneration Review Body recommends annual uplifts (usually percentage-based) to the Home Secretary.

Promotion Reset

On promotion, officers move to the lowest pay point of the new rank that offers a pay increase (usually Pay Point 1 or 2).

Common Questions

What is the starting police salary in 2026?

The starting salary for a police constable in England and Wales in 2026 is £31,497 (Pay Point 0). This basic pay rate was implemented in September 2024 and remains the current official starting salary for officers entering the service in 2026.

When do police pay scales change?

Police pay scales are reviewed annually. The next structural change is expected in September 2026, following the 2026/27 Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) cycle. Any approved pay award is typically implemented on September 1st each year.

Is London weighting included in the 2026 pay scales?

No, the standard pay scale tables show basic national pay. London weighting (£3,024) and London allowance (up to £5,338) are paid as additional, separate supplements for officers serving in the Metropolitan Police or City of London Police.

Who sets police pay for 2026?

Police pay is determined by the Home Secretary, following recommendations from the independent Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB). The process involves evidence submissions from the NPCC, Home Office, and staff associations like the Police Federation.

Related Pay & Pension Guides

Pay Rise 2026/27 Forecast

The 2026/27 police pay review process is currently underway. Our analysis projections, based on current economic indicators and historical PRRB recommendations, are available in our dedicated forecast guide.

View Forecast →
Police Regulations 2003
PRRB Annual Reports
Home Office Circulars
NPCC Evidence Submissions

Deeper Analysis

Explore our dedicated Pay & Earnings Hub for regulation-based analysis of overtime, allowances, and real-terms trends.

Explore Pay Hub