Public Sector Comparison
How does the police package stack up against the NHS, Fire Service, and Teaching?
Police Constable
The Challenger"Automatic progression to £46k without needing promotion is the key benefit here."
Nurse (Band 5)
The Alternative"Police has higher peak pay for constables, but nursing offers more specialisation early on."
Note: Comparison uses 2024/25 pay scales. Police figures based on national bands (outside London). NHS/Teacher figures are standard England & Wales bands.
The Short Answer
The Police package pays the highest for "rank and file" roles. A Constable can earn ~£46k without ever needing a promotion. In Nursing, Teaching, or the Fire Service, you typically must apply for management positions to reach that salary level. However, the Police has the most demanding shift pattern and highest cancellation of rest days.
Police vs NHS (Nursing)
Nursing offers excellent specialization (e.g., ICU, Paediatrics) and often more flexible bank work. However, automatic pay progression stops at the top of Band 5 (~£34k). To earn more, a nurse must apply for a new job (Band 6). A Police Constable progresses automatically to ~£46k just for staying in the role.
Police vs Fire Service
The Fire Service remains the gold standard for work-life balance with its "4 on, 4 off" pattern and lower disturbance levels at night. However, Firefighter pay is flat once "Competent" (~£36k). You must promote to Crew Manager to earn more. Police Constables earn significantly more in the long run but work harder for it.
The Pension Factor
Police
Fastest Accrual
Fire
Slower Accrual
Teaching
Standard Accrual
All these schemes are defined benefit (CARE) schemes, meaning they are guaranteed by the government and inflation-linked. They are far superior to almost any private sector pension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is police pay better than the NHS?
For most 'rank and file' roles, yes. A Police Constable automatically progresses to ~£46k in 7 years. A standard Band 5 Nurse tops out at ~£34k unless they promote to Band 6.
How does the police pension compare to teachers?
Both are 'Career Average' schemes, but the police scheme generally accrues faster (1/55.3 vs 1/57) and allows for earlier retirement without as severe penalties, reflecting the physical nature of the role.
Do police get overtime pay?
Yes. Constables and Sergeants are paid for overtime (typically 1.33x or 1.5x). Teachers and many salaried NHS staff do not get paid overtime.
Is the police 4 on 4 off?
Rarely. The Fire Service typically works 4 on 4 off. Police patterns are usually more variable (e.g., 2 early, 2 late, 2 night, 4 off), often feeling more intense due to shift changes.
Which public sector job has the best job security?
The Police. Constables hold an 'Office', not just a contract. They cannot be made redundant in the traditional sense, giving them unique protection compared to civil servants or NHS staff.
Can I negotiate my starting salary?
No. All these roles (Police, NHS, Fire, Teaching) have nationally set pay scales. You start at the bottom of the band for your qualification level.