The Short Answer
As of late 2025/2026, a new Police Constable typically starts on Pay Point 1 (£29,907). This rises automatically each year, reaching top rate (over £48,000) after 7 years. London officers receive an additional ~£8,500 in location allowances.
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Current Starting Pay
Police pay is set nationally by the Home Office (based on PRRB recommendations). It is non-negotiable.
| Entry Route | Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| PCDA (Apprentice) | Pay Point 0 / 1 | £29,907 |
| DHEP (Degree Holder) | Pay Point 1 | £29,907 |
| PPL (Traditional) | Pay Point 1 | £29,907 |
Note on Pay Point 0
Progression (The 7 Year Spine)
The best thing about police pay is the guaranteed progression. As long as you are efficient in your role, you move up a point every anniversary of your joining.
Years 1-3
You start around £30k. By year 3, you are earning approx £33-34k. This is the 'training' phase.
Years 4-6
Significant jumps occur here. Your 'competence' is fully evidenced. Pay ranges from £36k to £43k.
Top Rate (7+ Years)
You hit the ceiling of the Constable rank, currently circa £48,231. You stay here unless you seek promotion to Sergeant.
London Weighting
If you join the Met (MPS) or City of London, you get two main allowances on top of the basic measures:
- London Weighting: ~£3,000 (Pensionable)
- London Allowance: ~£5,300 (Non-pensionable)
This adds roughly £8,300 to your gross salary, meaning a new Met PC starts on nearly £39,000.
Deductions (Pension & Fed)
Your take-home pay might be lower than you expect because of high pension contributions.
Monthly Deductions
- Pension: 12.44% of your salary. (Yes, it's high, but it's worth it).
- Police Fed: ~£24 per month (optional but recommended for legal cover).
- Tax & NI: Standard rates apply.
Early-Career Earnings Explorer
See exactly what you will take home in Year 1, 2 and 3.
Public Sector Comparison
Is police pay actually good compared to Fire or NHS?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for police UK 2026?
The starting salary is typically between £29,907 and £30,682 depending on the force and entry route (PCDA vs DHEP). In London (Met Police), this increases to over £38,000 when weighting is included.
Does the salary go up every year?
Yes. Police pay follows a strict 'incremental' scale. You move up a pay point every 12 months, usually reaching the top of the constable scale (circa £48k) within 7 years.
Do I get paid for overtime?
Yes. Constables and Sergeants are paid for overtime (usually time and a third, or time and a half for rest days). Inspetors and above do not get overtime pay.
Is the training paid?
Yes. You are a paid employee from Day 1 of your training. You receive your full salary while at training school.
Do I have to pay for my uniform?
No. All uniform and kit (Stab vest, belt, radio, pava, cuffs) is provided free of charge.
What is London Weighting?
Officers in the Metropolitan Police and City of London receive roughly £8,500 extra per year in allowances to account for the higher cost of living.
How does the pension work?
It is a Career Average (CARE) scheme. You contribute roughly 12-13% of your salary, and the employer contributes a significant amount (31%). It is considered one of the best public sector pensions.
Do I get paid more for being a detective?
No. Detectives (DCs) are on the same pay scale as uniform constables (PCs). However, some forces offer a small 'bonus' payment to retain detectives.
Independence Statement: Police Pay UK is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any police force or the College of Policing. Official policies can change; always verify with your chosen force's recruitment team.
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Independent • First-year projections included