Police Pay 2026/27 — Rank by Rank, After Tax
Constable to inspector pay scales, the confirmed 3.5% September 2026 award, London weighting — and what each rank takes home.
Police officers in England and Wales are paid on national scales set through the Police Remuneration Review Body. A 3.5% pay award was confirmed in July 2026, effective from 1 September 2026. Officers also receive substantial additions for unsocial hours, on-call and London postings — a new Met constable's total starting package is around £39,859 with London weighting and allowances.
| Rank / point | Salary | Take-home / year | Take-home / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable — starting | £28,551 | £24,076 | £2,006 |
| Constable — mid scale | £36,000 | £29,440 | £2,453 |
| Constable — top | £46,044 | £36,671 | £3,056 |
| Sergeant — entry | £46,044 | £36,671 | £3,056 |
| Sergeant — top | £50,440 | £39,813 | £3,318 |
| Inspector — entry | £57,162 | £43,711 | £3,643 |
| Inspector — top | £59,840 | £45,265 | £3,772 |
Take-home figures use 2026/27 England/Wales/NI rates (Income Tax + employee NI only, standard tax code, no pension or student loan deductions). Public-sector pension contributions will reduce take-home further — model yours with our Pension Tax Relief Calculator.
Progression is faster than most careers
Constables move up the pay scale annually, reaching the £46,044 top step in around seven years — a near-60% pay increase without promotion. Promotion to sergeant and inspector requires national exams (NPPF steps) plus a board. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-third for constables and sergeants (inspectors and above receive none, which is why a top-scale sergeant with overtime can out-earn an inspector).
The police pension
The CARE police pension has employee contributions of roughly 11–13% of pay — among the highest in the public sector — but allows retirement with a full pension significantly earlier than the state pension age. Contributions receive full tax relief, softening the take-home impact for higher earners.
Check your own numbers
Frequently asked questions
£28,551 base for a new constable in England and Wales, rising with the 3.5% award from September 2026. With London weighting a new Met officer's package is around £39,859.
Around seven years of annual progression to reach £46,044 — before any promotion, overtime or allowances.
Yes, full Class 1 NI like any employee. The figures above include employee NI at 2026/27 rates.
Time-and-a-third for constables and sergeants, double time on bank holidays. Regular overtime can add £3,000–£8,000+ a year for response officers.