Police pay scales 2026

Police officer pay in England and Wales is set nationally, so the same pay scale applies in all 43 forces. Inspectors and chief inspectors in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police have their own higher scale.

On 15 July 2026 the Home Secretary announced a consolidated increase of 3.5% to all ranks and pay points, taking effect from 1 September 2026. The figures for 1 September 2026 below are the current rates with 3.5% applied, rounded to the nearest pound. The exact figures are set by the Home Office in an amendment to Annex F of the Police Regulations 2003, so your payslip may differ by a pound or two.

London weighting and allowances

Rates from 1 September 2026. Where the written statement of 15 July 2026 increased an allowance, the 3.5% or £8 increase has been applied to the rate in the current determination, rounded to the nearest pound. The other allowances are unchanged.

Pay progression

Officers below the top of their scale move up one pay point a year. The rules are in Part 1BA of Annex F.

• You move up on the anniversary of your appointment or promotion.
• Moving up depends on meeting the pay progression standard (PPS), which is assessed each year over the 12 months before your PPS confirmation date.
• To meet the PPS you must have completed your annual PDR, not be subject to ongoing formal action at stage 1 or 2 of the unsatisfactory performance or attendance procedures, and have completed any required training (no more than two training priorities set by the chief officer).
• Officers who complete other officers' PDRs must also have completed those PDRs and PPS decisions.
• Probationers do not need to meet the PPS to move up the scale.
• If you do not meet the PPS on your confirmation date, you can still move up once you meet it before the next one, but the increase is not backdated unless an appeal is upheld.
• On promotion, your pay is set at no less than the pay point in the new rank immediately above what you would have been paid without the promotion.

How the take-home figures are worked out

• Full-time pay, tax code 1257L, England and Wales income tax and Class 1 National Insurance for 2026 to 2027.
• Pension contributions at the Police Pension Scheme 2015 rate for the salary shown: 12.88% up to £37,035, 13.88% above £37,035 and below £79,588, and 14.22% from £79,588. Contributions are taken before tax. Your actual tier is based on your pensionable pay in the previous scheme year.
• No allowances, overtime, student loan or salary sacrifice. These will change your take-home.

More on police pay