Police Pay 2026:
Salary by Rank & Rise
How much will you earn in 2026? With a 4.2% pay rise expected for officers across England and Wales, we break down the projected salary for every rank—from new recruits to senior inspectors.
Current Status
PRRB Deliberation Phase
May 2026 Update
Latest Milestone
Evidence Submitted
March 27, 2026
Next Milestone
PRRB Recommendation
Expected June/July 2026
Implementation
1 September 2026
Target Date
When will the 2026 police pay rise be announced? The PRRB report for the 2026/27 pay round is expected to be delivered to the Home Secretary in June or July 2026. Following government review, the final pay award is typically announced in late July before the summer recess, with new pay scales implemented on 1 September 2026, usually backdated if the announcement is delayed.
🚨 2026 Police Pay – What You Need to Know
Applies to all federated ranks in England and Wales.
Estimated monthly gain: £130 – £240 (depending on rank).
Based on current economic forecasts and PRRB submissions.
Independent analysis – not an official Home Office announcement.
Use our interactive tools to see how these projected increases will impact your specific take-home pay.
📊 Open Salary Calculator2026/27 Pay Award: The Claims vs. The Offers
| Stakeholder | Claim/Position | Core Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Police Federation (PFEW) | 7.0% (Multi-year) | Reverse 14 years of pay erosion + Introduce 'P-Factor'. |
| NPCC (Chief Constables) | 3.5% (Max) | Award must be 'fully funded'; 2.5% if not. |
| Home Office (Govt) | ~2.5% | Cites 'affordability' and Jan 2026 Funding Settlement. |
| Police Staff (UNISON) | 9.0% or £2,700 | Restoration of lost earning power + £15/hr minimum. |
What is the 'P-Factor' in the 2026 Pay Claim?
The 2026 claim centers on the introduction of a structural P-Factor—a formal recognition that policing is not a standard 9-to-5 job.
Core Definition
A military-style pay uplift recognizing the unique risks, legal restrictions (no right to strike), and psychological trauma of policing. It aims to compensate for the "restriction of private life" that officers endure.
Structural Demands
- Removal of the lowest constable pay points to reflect frontline reality.
- Unsocial hours allowance increase (10% → 20%) for weekends/nights.
- 'Acting Up' and Temporary Promotion pay from Day 1.
Police Staff Pay Claim 2026:
9% and the 'Overtime Bar'
The Claim
The PSC Joint Union Side (UNISON, Unite, GMB) is demanding 9% or £2,700, whichever is greater, for 2026/27.
The 'Overtime Bar'
A massive push to abolish the 1996 "Point 24" overtime bar (£35,772), which currently prevents thousands of operational staff from earning premium overtime rates.
Annual Leave
Formal demand to increase starting annual leave to 25 days (matching the entitlement for police officers).
2026 Pay Award Timeline
September 1, 2026
Effective date for new pay scales.
July 2026 (Expected)
Government announcement of the 2026/27 award following PRRB recommendations.
May 2026 (Expected)
Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) submits report to the Home Secretary.
January 2026 - Present
Tracking inflation and public sector pay trends. Current CPI/RPI will heavily influence the 2026 recommendation.
📊 Estimated Police Pay 2026 (4.2% Rise)
Based on a projected 4.2% increase, here is how the primary pay points could look starting September 2026. These figures are independent estimates calculated using current baseline scales.
| Rank & Pay Point | Current (2024/25) | Projected 2026 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Constable (Entry/0) | £31,497 | £32,820 |
| Constable (Top Point 7) | £48,231 | £50,257 |
| Sergeant (Top Point 4) | £53,646 | £55,899 |
| Inspector (Top Point 3) | £66,143 | £68,921 |
| Chief Inspector (Top Pt 3) | £70,307 | £73,260 |
👉 Want to see your specific pay point? Use the full Police Salary Calculator
Current Baseline Scales (2024/25)
These are the current baseline figures that any 2026 pay award will be applied to. For most officers, the headline rise is a straight percentage increase upon these basic rates.
Constable
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Pay Point 1 | £99,612 |
| Pay Point 2 | £102,903 |
| Pay Point 3 | £111,117 |
💰 Calculate Your 2026 Take-Home
Our calculator allows you to input these projected rises to see the exact impact on your net monthly pay, including pension and tax.
Use the Pay Calculator →Interested in more than just basic pay? See your full 2026 projected take-home here
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will police earn in 2026 UK?
Based on current projections of a 4.2% pay rise, a Constable at peak point 7 will earn approximately £50,257 per year basic pay. Entry-level salaries are expected to rise to around £32,820.
What is the police pay rise for 2026?
The final figure hasn't been confirmed, but evidence suggests a rise in the region of 4.2% is required to maintain recruitment levels and keep pace with public sector inflation.
When will police pay be confirmed for 2026?
Confirmation is expected in July 2026, following the PRRB report. New rates then formally take effect from 1 September 2026, often with backpay if the decision is delayed into the autumn.
Does the 2026 award apply to all ranks?
Yes, pay awards typically apply to all federated ranks (Constable to Chief Inspector). Higher ranks like Superintendent are governed by separate but related recommendations.
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How this page is maintained
• Independent reference
• Updated as official information is released
• No affiliation with PRRB, Home Secretary, or police forces
• Designed for officers, candidates, and researchers
- TAX
UK tax and National Insurance concepts (HMRC guidance).
- PAY
Police pay scales and allowances are based on publicly available pay tables and official publications where applicable.
- LOCAL
Force overtime rules vary — always confirm your local policy and payslip.