Police pay scales, England and Wales
A 3.5% award applies from 1 September 2026, but the Home Office determination that turns it into actual pay points had not been published when we last checked. The tables below are therefore the September 2025 scale that officers are currently paid on; the rise will be backdated when the new determination lands, and we will publish the new points the day it does.
Checked 7 September 2026 · Home Office determination via Police Oracle
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 1 (on joining) | £31,164 |
| Point 2 | £32,472 |
| Point 3 | £33,789 |
| Point 4 | £35,106 |
| Point 5 | £37,737 |
| Point 6 | £43,038 |
| Point 7 | £50,256 |
Progression is annual up to point 4, with points 5 to 7 reached at roughly years 4, 5 and 7 of service. Degree-holder entry routes can start above point 1 at force discretion.
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 2 | £53,568 |
| Point 3 | £54,660 |
| Point 4 | £56,208 |
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 0 | £63,768 |
| Point 1 | £65,505 |
| Point 2 | £67,236 |
| Point 3 | £68,982 |
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 0 | £66,462 |
| Point 1 | £68,202 |
| Point 2 | £69,954 |
| Point 3 | £71,697 |
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 1 | £70,344 |
| Point 2 | £71,715 |
| Point 3 | £73,149 |
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 1 | £84,177 |
| Point 2 | £88,449 |
| Point 3 | £92,955 |
| Point 4 | £99,015 |
| Pay point | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Point 1 | £103,797 |
| Point 2 | £107,226 |
| Point 3 | £115,785 |
London weighting adds £2,886 a year for Metropolitan and City of London officers on top of the scales above (chief inspector London rates run about £2,718 higher per point).
The 2026 award, and the row about it
The PRRB recommended 3.9% for 2026/27. The Home Secretary awarded 3.5%, the first time in several rounds the recommendation has not been met in full, and the Police Federation called for a minimum of 7% in its evidence. Because officers cannot strike, the review body process is the only pay mechanism they have, which is why trimming its recommendation carries more heat than the 0.4 points suggest.
Common questions
What is the police pay rise for 2026?
3.5% for all federated and superintending ranks from 1 September 2026, confirmed by the Home Secretary, below the 3.9% the Police Remuneration Review Body recommended. The updated determination with new pay points had not been published when this page was last checked, so the rise will be backdated once it is.
How much does a police constable earn?
On the scale in force (September 2025), constables in England and Wales earn £31,164 on joining, rising through seven points to £50,256 after about seven years. The 3.5% September 2026 award will lift the top of the scale to roughly £52,015 once the determination is published.
How much extra do Met officers get?
London officers get London weighting of £2,886 a year plus a separate London allowance; inspecting ranks have their own higher London scale, with inspectors starting at £66,462 against £63,768 outside London.
Do these scales apply in Scotland?
No. Police Scotland pay is negotiated separately through the Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, and its scales differ. This page covers the England and Wales determination.