Police pay in each Australian force side by side: academy pay, the first sworn salary with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27, and the Senior Constable and Sergeant ranges.
A newly sworn police officer earns $78,505 to $94,651 a year depending on the state, about $2,418 to $2,840 a fortnight after tax.
Police salaries by state
| Force | Academy / recruit | First sworn rank | Take-home per fortnight | Senior Constable | Sergeant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Police Force | – | $92,576 | $2,786 | $115,290 – $139,688 | $143,230 – $157,203 |
| Victoria Police | $61,187 | $84,060 | $2,563 | $102,648 – $118,945 | $137,812 – $149,358 |
| Queensland Police | – | $78,505 | $2,418 | $96,528 – $118,127 | $118,127 – $133,671 |
| WA Police | $74,309 | $94,651 | $2,840 | $115,722 – $124,558 | $127,619 – $135,005 |
| SA Police | $71,872 | $83,398 | $2,546 | $102,990 – $117,542 | $122,740 – $135,363 |
| AFP | $69,698 | $75,233 | $2,332 | – | $111,861 – $132,185 |
First sworn rank is the Probationary Constable or Constable starting rate. Tap a force for every rank and increment. Take-home is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
What each figure includes
- NSW Police Force: from 1 July 2026, incl. 11.5% loading.
- Victoria Police: from 1 June 2026.
- Queensland Police: from 1 July 2026.
- WA Police: from 1 July 2026.
- SA Police: as published by SA Police.
- AFP: base salary from 9 December 2025, before the 22% composite.
Rates aren't directly comparable: some include a loading for shift work and some don't. Allowances, overtime and super are extra everywhere. Tasmania, the ACT and the NT aren't covered yet.
Common questions
How much do police earn in Australia?
A newly sworn officer earns between $78,505 (Queensland Police) and $94,651 (WA Police) a year in the forces compared here. Pay rises with each increment and promotion, and shift allowances and overtime are paid on top in most forces.
Which state pays police the most?
Of the starting salaries here, WA Police is highest at $94,651. Compare carefully: NSW's figure includes an 11.5% loading for shift work, Victoria's includes a 13% commuted penalty allowance, and AFP officers in operational roles get a 22% composite on top of base salary.
Are police paid during academy training?
In Victoria, WA, SA and the AFP recruits or cadets are paid a salary during training; the amounts are in the table. The NSW award doesn't set an academy rate.
Is super included?
No. Employer super is paid on top in every force.
See also teacher pay by state, NSW firefighters and ADF pay.
Each force's source agreement or pay page is cited on its own page. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only.