The Queensland Police Service at a glance
Two record recruiting years in a row, a new agreement and a hard push for experienced officers.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) polices a state where a posting can mean Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Thursday Island or a one-officer station in the Channel Country. That spread shapes the job: Queensland has more location-based allowances than most forces, and it pays operational officers an all-in shift allowance rather than counting penalty hours.
Sworn in during 2025
1,180
second record year in a row
QPU members voting on the deal
≈13,000
September 2025
Agreement expires
30 Jun 2028
QPS Certified Agreement 2025
Graduates on 5 Oct 2026
35
Oxley
Pay and conditions are set by the Queensland Police Service Certified Agreement 2025 (QIRC CB/2025/116), certified on 13 October 2025 and read with the Queensland Police Service Employees Award 2016. Union members accepted it narrowly, with 51.6% voting yes in the preliminary count. It gives 3%, 2.5% and 2.5% over three years plus a CPI uplift that can add up to 0.5% in year one and 1% in each later year.
Our data doesn't include a total sworn headcount for the QPS, so we don't quote one. Specialist roles paid under the agreement include detectives, the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), the Dive Squad, the Explosive Ordnance Response Team, dog handlers, PolAir, Water Police, the Rural and Stock Crime Squad, covert operatives and prosecutors.
Regions and districts
The QPS regional and district structure wasn't in the sources we checked. The agreement does use geography for pay: officers north of 22°S and west of 147°E get extra annual leave, and named communities attract the Area Allowance and rural incentive payments covered below.
Already a police officer overseas?
This force actively recruits experienced officers from overseas, including the UK, and sponsors a permanent visa. See police officers moving to Australia and our guide UK police to Queensland Police, plus visas for police officers and what happens to your UK police pension.
What does the Queensland Police pay in 2026?
Base rates rose 2.5% on 1 July 2026, on top of a 3.5% rise in 2025 after the CPI uplift.
QPS pay is quoted as base salary. A First Year Constable (pay point 1.1) is on $78,505 from 1 July 2026, about $2,418 a fortnight after tax. Most officers in frontline shift roles then receive the 21% Operational Shift Allowance, lifting that to about $94,991. That's why the recruiting site advertises a figure in the low $90,000s: it quotes base plus OSA.
Constable
- Pay points
- 6
- Lowest
- $78,505
- Highest
- $96,528
Senior Constable
- Pay points
- 10
- Lowest
- $96,528
- Highest
- $118,127
Sergeant
- Pay points
- 7
- Lowest
- $118,127
- Highest
- $133,671
Senior Sergeant
- Pay points
- 7
- Lowest
- $135,281
- Highest
- $150,175
Inspector
- Pay points
- 7
- Lowest
- $179,870
- Highest
- $195,991
Superintendent
- Pay points
- 5
- Lowest
- $199,852
- Highest
- $213,721
Chief Superintendent
- Pay points
- 3
- Lowest
- $216,810
- Highest
- $226,442
| Rank | Pay points | Lowest | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable | 6 | $78,505 | $96,528 |
| Senior Constable | 10 | $96,528 | $118,127 |
| Sergeant | 7 | $118,127 | $133,671 |
| Senior Sergeant | 7 | $135,281 | $150,175 |
| Inspector | 7 | $179,870 | $195,991 |
| Superintendent | 5 | $199,852 | $213,721 |
| Chief Superintendent | 3 | $216,810 | $226,442 |
QPS's official CPI Uplift Adjustment (CUA) schedule, Tranche 3 (police.qld.gov.au/cpi-uplift-adjustment), read 10 October 2026. Annual figures are fortnightly rates × 26.0893. Excludes OSA.
These are QPS's official uplifted rates
The agreement's printed Schedule 1 rates were superseded by the CPI uplift, so the table uses QPS's official CPI Uplift Adjustment schedule instead. Our earlier figures, calculated from the agreement's CPI clause, matched the official schedule to within a few dollars and have now been replaced by QPS's own numbers. The 1 July 2026 rates are a minimum: if March 2027 Brisbane CPI beats 2.5%, up to 1% more is added and back-paid.
The full scales, including the superseded certified tables, are on the Queensland police salary guide, and the CPI uplift is tracked on the QPS pay deal page.
See your Queensland take-home pay
Pick your pay point, add OSA, night shifts and double-time overtime, and see your fortnightly pay after 2026-27 tax.
OSA, double-time overtime and the rural incentives
Three features make Queensland pay different from other forces: the all-in Operational Shift Allowance, double time for most overtime, and a long list of location payments.
Worked example: a First Year Constable in general duties
Constable 1.1 base (from 1 July 2026)
- Amount a year
- $78,505
Operational Shift Allowance (21%)
- Amount a year
- $16,486
General Duties retention payment (paid 31 January)
- Amount a year
- $4,000
Total before night allowances and overtime
- Amount a year
- $98,991
Take-home after 2026-27 tax
- Amount a year
- $76,794 ($2,954 a fortnight)
| Item | Amount a year |
|---|---|
| Constable 1.1 base (from 1 July 2026) | $78,505 |
| Operational Shift Allowance (21%) | $16,486 |
| General Duties retention payment (paid 31 January) | $4,000 |
| Total before night allowances and overtime | $98,991 |
| Take-home after 2026-27 tax | $76,794 ($2,954 a fortnight) |
The $4,000 retention payment is made on 31 January 2026 and 31 January 2027 to Constables to Senior Sergeants substantively in general duties roles. Night (NOSA, 20%) and late-night (LNOSA, 25%) allowances are paid on top of OSA.
OSA replaces shift and weekend penalties, public holiday rates and annual leave loading, and it keeps being paid during most paid leave (capped at 26 weeks on sick leave). Officers who work enough weekend and public holiday shifts also earn a 38-hour special leave credit.
Most frontline QPS officers are paid double time for every hour of overtime, a rule almost no other force matches.
Rural and remote payments
Area Allowance
- Amount
- $13,906 a year (from 1 July 2026)
- Where
- Aurukun, Bamaga, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Palm Island, Doomadgee, Mornington Island and other named communities
Rural Locality Incentive Payment
- Amount
- $4,000, $5,000, then $7,000 a year
- Where
- Designated rural towns such as Longreach, Charleville, Weipa and Thursday Island; 50% at Dunwich, Russell and Macleay islands and K'gari
One and Two Officer Station Allowance
- Amount
- 36.5%
- Where
- Replaces overtime, on-call, shift and weekend pay at small stations
Hard-to-fill location pay points
- Amount
- One extra pay point after 12 months, another after 24
- Where
- If you stay 2 more years after tenure at a designated location
Locality Allowance
- Amount
- Rates not public
- Where
- Published only on the QPS intranet
| Payment | Amount | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Area Allowance | $13,906 a year (from 1 July 2026) | Aurukun, Bamaga, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Palm Island, Doomadgee, Mornington Island and other named communities |
| Rural Locality Incentive Payment | $4,000, $5,000, then $7,000 a year | Designated rural towns such as Longreach, Charleville, Weipa and Thursday Island; 50% at Dunwich, Russell and Macleay islands and K'gari |
| One and Two Officer Station Allowance | 36.5% | Replaces overtime, on-call, shift and weekend pay at small stations |
| Hard-to-fill location pay points | One extra pay point after 12 months, another after 24 | If you stay 2 more years after tenure at a designated location |
| Locality Allowance | Rates not public | Published only on the QPS intranet |
The Area Allowance is QPS's official uplifted CUA rate. RLIP amounts are flat and not indexed. The Area Allowance and RLIP can't be paid together.
Officers transferred to a designated rural or remote location can also nominate a district of choice for their next transfer after tenure. More detail is in our QPS salary guide.
Who can join, the steps and the QPSea
Queensland lets you apply at 17 and a half, though you must be 18 to start at the Academy.
QPS eligibility
- ✓ Age: at least 17.5 to apply and 18 to start recruit training. No upper age limit found (compulsory retirement is at 60).
- ✓ Australian citizen or permanent resident, or NZ citizen on a Special Category Visa. International police with enough experience may apply under the labour agreement (500 a year for 5 years from 2023).
- ✓ Open driver licence, or a provisional licence held for at least 12 months, by academy graduation.
- ✓ Swim 100m untimed, any stroke, without stopping or touching the side or bottom, verified by an approved instructor on the QPS Certificate of Swimming Proficiency.
- ✓ No first aid certificate requirement was found.
The QPS process has more boxes than most, but some stages run at the same time. The interview is online with one or two QPS members, and it also decides which entry pathway you go into.
- 1
Expression of Interest
Initial eligibility self-assessment.
- 2
QPS Entrance Assessment (QPSea)
The ACER-run QPSea: literacy, abstract reasoning and writing (1 hour 45 minutes), unless exempt.
- 3
Application submission
Submit the full application.
- 4
Eligibility review
QPS checks the application against entry requirements.
- 5
Interview and pathway determination
Online panel interview with 1-2 QPS members; the entry pathway is decided.
- 6
Integrity vetting
Background and integrity checks.
- 7
Pre-Employment Medical Screening (PEMS)
Medical screening; detailed standards not checked.
- 8
Psychological assessment
Standardised written personality tests (remote or at venues), then a psychological interview.
- 9
Application and referee checks
Referees and application details are checked.
- 10
Quality assurance
Final review of the file.
- 11
Allocation and offer
Offer of a place in a recruit intake.
- 12
Visa (if applicable)
For international police recruits.
- 13
Pre-appointment integrity vetting, then recruit training
Final vetting before starting at the academy. Some steps run at the same time. The fitness assessment is not a separate box on the flowchart, but every part must be passed before a recruit position is offered.
The QPS Entrance Assessment (QPSea)
The QPSea tests literacy, numeracy, reasoning, writing and digital literacy, unless you're exempt. That component list comes from search extracts of the recruiting site rather than the page itself. Pre-selection test fees were waived as part of 2023 recruitment incentives. Prepare with our QPS entrance exam guide and the full how to become a police officer in Queensland walkthrough; the QPS interview guide covers the online panel.
The fitness assessment: beep test Level 5 shuttle 7 (5/7) minimum
Queensland's entry fitness test is short: three components, read directly from the official standard dated 21 October 2025. You must pass every part before you're offered a recruit position.
Prone bridge
- Standard
- 90 seconds minimum
- How it's run
- Body straight from shoulders to ankles; one posture correction allowed.
Push-ups
- Standard
- 10 minimum
- How it's run
- Standard from the toes, chest to a 7cm dome cone, one every 2 seconds; one attempt.
Beep test (20m shuttle)
- Standard
- Level 5 shuttle 7 (5/7) minimum
- How it's run
- Official audio; must stop and turn; 2 warnings.
| Test | Standard | How it's run |
|---|---|---|
| Prone bridge | 90 seconds minimum | Body straight from shoulders to ankles; one posture correction allowed. |
| Push-ups | 10 minimum | Standard from the toes, chest to a 7cm dome cone, one every 2 seconds; one attempt. |
| Beep test (20m shuttle) | Level 5 shuttle 7 (5/7) minimum | Official audio; must stop and turn; 2 warnings. |
Read directly from the official PDF dated 21 Oct 2025. A summary of the recruiting site says the same standard applies to all applicants regardless of age or gender, but the PDF itself does not say so. The 100m untimed swim is a separate eligibility requirement.
Compared with NSW (beep Level 7.1, 25 push-ups and four other tests), this is a lower bar. Don't let that make you complacent: the push-ups are strictly paced at one every two seconds to a 7 cm cone, and the Academy itself is physically demanding. Our QPS fitness test guide has a plan.
Pass the QPS fitness assessment
The 5/7 beep test, the paced push-ups and the 90-second bridge, with a training plan built around the official standard.
The Academy, recruit pay and probation
Recruits train at the QPS Academy at Oxley in Brisbane or in Townsville. The mainstream course is about eight months; the government has described it as "almost eight months", but we couldn't confirm the exact number of weeks.
Recruit pay (calc)
$59,728
70% of Constable 1.1 + $183 a fortnight
Academy
≈8 months
Oxley or Townsville; free accommodation
First Year Constable Program
≈12 months
probation at least 12 months
You're paid while training at 70% of the First Year Constable base plus a $183 a fortnight recruit training allowance. Our calculation puts that at about $59,728 a year from 1 July 2026. There are no fees for training or pre-selection tests, and Academy accommodation is free. Existing QPS civilian staff keep their current pay point in training.
On graduation you're sworn in as a First Year Constable (pay point 1.1) and work under Field Training Officers through the First Year Constable Program. Finishing it moves you to pay point 1.2. More in the QPS Academy guide.
PACE: interstate, New Zealand and UK officers
Queensland actively recruits experienced police. The PACE program is a 20-week course for current or recent (within five years) frontline police, with three or four intakes a year, and PACE recruits are paid more than mainstream recruits from day one.
Relocation incentive
- Detail
- $20,000: reported as $10,000 on graduation and $10,000 after the First Year Constable Program and probation
Course length
- Detail
- 20 weeks (PACE) instead of about 8 months
Starting pay
- Detail
- Set by QPS policy using your service, rank and skills; the recruiting site says up to $130k (from search extracts, unconfirmed)
International officers
- Detail
- Labour agreement allowing 500 international police a year for 5 years from 2023; UK, NZ and South African officers named
English requirement
- Detail
- A UK passport satisfies it
| What you get | Detail |
|---|---|
| Relocation incentive | $20,000: reported as $10,000 on graduation and $10,000 after the First Year Constable Program and probation |
| Course length | 20 weeks (PACE) instead of about 8 months |
| Starting pay | Set by QPS policy using your service, rank and skills; the recruiting site says up to $130k (from search extracts, unconfirmed) |
| International officers | Labour agreement allowing 500 international police a year for 5 years from 2023; UK, NZ and South African officers named |
| English requirement | A UK passport satisfies it |
The $20,000 is confirmed in a 2023 ministerial statement; the two-instalment split comes from search extracts of the recruiting site. Former QPS officers have a separate pathway that weighs their length of service, reason for leaving, conduct history and time away.
In July 2026 QPS ran a social media campaign aimed at New Zealand police during their pay dispute, and 1News reported at least 144 NZ officers had moved to Australia. If you're a UK officer weighing your options, compare this with WA's international transition, which has a shorter 13-week course.
Ranks, pay points and promotion
Within each rank, you move up a pay point after at least 12 months on each point with satisfactory performance and compulsory training. Constable to Senior Constable is a progression, not a competitive promotion.
- 1
Constable (1.1–1.6)
Progression$78,505 rising to $96,528. After 12 months on 1.5 you move to Senior Constable if you meet training, performance, vetting, licence and OST requirements.
- 2
Senior Constable (2.1–2.10)
ProgressionUp to $118,127. Point 2.10 is deemed Leading Senior Constable once you've completed the LCP or MDP.
- 3
Sergeant (3.1–3.7) and Senior Sergeant (4.1–4.7)
MeritOpen merit promotion; the qualification for Sergeant is the LCP or MDP equivalent. Sergeant tops out at $133,671.
- 4
Inspector to Chief Superintendent
CommissionedCommissioned ranks from $179,870. Assistant Commissioner and above are executive officers outside the agreement.
A Constable Capability Program will become compulsory during the agreement. Designated Senior Constable roles, such as officer in charge of a one- or two-officer station, are filled on merit and can come with the Officer in Charge allowance. See the QPS promotion guide.
How much leave do Queensland police get?
Six weeks of annual leave a year is the standard, with three extra days in the north and west of the state.
Annual leave
- What the agreement says
- 6 weeks a year (0.62466 hours per calendar day); 6 weeks 3 days (0.68712 hours per day) in the Northern and Western parts of the state (north of 22°S and west of 147°E, including Moranbah). Public holidays during leave are not deducted. Accrual capped at 2 years; state target is 304 hours (342 in the North/West) by 30 June (cl 58, 60). Leave loading 17.5% on 4 weeks for non-OSA NCOs; OSA officers keep OSA on leave (cl 59).
Sick leave
- What the agreement says
- 15 days a year (0.31233 hours per calendar day). First Year Constables get a one-off 15 days upfront, with accrual starting after year 1. A Sick Leave Bank exists (Schedule 4, cl 61).
Long service leave
- What the agreement says
- 1.3 weeks per year of continuous service (13 weeks after 10 years), pro rata after 7 years, under Directive 10/24 (cl 6.1, cl 8), which the agreement applies through cl 64.
Parental leave
- What the agreement says
- 14 weeks' paid leave for the primary carer and 1 week for the other parent, after 12 months' service, under Directive 08/24 (applied through cl 63). Super is paid for the whole 52-week parental leave period, paid or unpaid, from 1 Jul 2024.
Critical incident leave
- What the agreement says
- Critical Incident Leave: up to 3 days' paid leave after a critical incident (cl 65).
| Leave type | What the agreement says |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 6 weeks a year (0.62466 hours per calendar day); 6 weeks 3 days (0.68712 hours per day) in the Northern and Western parts of the state (north of 22°S and west of 147°E, including Moranbah). Public holidays during leave are not deducted. Accrual capped at 2 years; state target is 304 hours (342 in the North/West) by 30 June (cl 58, 60). Leave loading 17.5% on 4 weeks for non-OSA NCOs; OSA officers keep OSA on leave (cl 59). |
| Sick leave | 15 days a year (0.31233 hours per calendar day). First Year Constables get a one-off 15 days upfront, with accrual starting after year 1. A Sick Leave Bank exists (Schedule 4, cl 61). |
| Long service leave | 1.3 weeks per year of continuous service (13 weeks after 10 years), pro rata after 7 years, under Directive 10/24 (cl 6.1, cl 8), which the agreement applies through cl 64. |
| Parental leave | 14 weeks' paid leave for the primary carer and 1 week for the other parent, after 12 months' service, under Directive 08/24 (applied through cl 63). Super is paid for the whole 52-week parental leave period, paid or unpaid, from 1 Jul 2024. |
| Critical incident leave | Critical Incident Leave: up to 3 days' paid leave after a critical incident (cl 65). |
Long service and parental leave follow Public Sector Act 2022 directives; the numbers shown for those are unconfirmed.
Non-commissioned officers also get one Programmed Day Off per 28-day roster. First Year Constables get 15 days of sick leave up front. Read the QPS leave guide for details.
18% super, and retirement at 60
Queensland pays police 18% employer super on ordinary time earnings, with no compulsory member contribution. Every other state force pays the 12% minimum or relies on a defined benefit scheme.
QSuper Accumulation account (Australian Retirement Trust)
- Status
- Open
- How it works
- Default fund for current officers. QSuper is now part of Australian Retirement Trust after the 2022 merger with Sunsuper.
QSuper Police account (defined benefit)
- Status
- Closed
- How it works
- Closed to new members 1 Jan 1993. Members contribute 7% (joined after 26 Feb 1984); employer pays 17% plus a 3% award contribution to an Accumulation account, topped up to at least 18% of OTE. Pension at 60 = fortnightly final average salary x [3 x service before 1 Jul 1988 / 160 + service from 1 Jul 1988 / 62.5], capped at 75% of FAS and 40 years; CPI-indexed each August; commutable (factor 313.1 at 60). Retirement at 55-59 multiplies by (85 + 3 x (age - 55))/100.
QSuper Defined Benefit account (State)
- Status
- Closed
- How it works
- Closed to new members 12 Nov 2008; separate from the Police account. Actuarial report employer rate for 'Standard Defined Benefit - Police only' reported as 6.00% of salary plus 2 x member contributions (unverified).
| Scheme | Status | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| QSuper Accumulation account (Australian Retirement Trust) | Open | Default fund for current officers. QSuper is now part of Australian Retirement Trust after the 2022 merger with Sunsuper. |
| QSuper Police account (defined benefit) | Closed | Closed to new members 1 Jan 1993. Members contribute 7% (joined after 26 Feb 1984); employer pays 17% plus a 3% award contribution to an Accumulation account, topped up to at least 18% of OTE. Pension at 60 = fortnightly final average salary x [3 x service before 1 Jul 1988 / 160 + service from 1 Jul 1988 / 62.5], capped at 75% of FAS and 40 years; CPI-indexed each August; commutable (factor 313.1 at 60). Retirement at 55-59 multiplies by (85 + 3 x (age - 55))/100. |
| QSuper Defined Benefit account (State) | Closed | Closed to new members 12 Nov 2008; separate from the Police account. Actuarial report employer rate for 'Standard Defined Benefit - Police only' reported as 6.00% of salary plus 2 x member contributions (unverified). |
On a First Year Constable's base alone, 18% is about $4,710 a year more than 12%. New officers under 60 start on a default 6% member contribution, which you can reduce to zero; it's worth thinking about rather than leaving on autopilot. Insurance comes with the account: automatic death and TPD cover, and income protection paying 87.75% of insured salary for up to two years.
Retirement age: our sources give compulsory retirement at 60 (Police Service Administration Act 1990, s 8.2). We haven't checked the section of the Act that sets it. See the QPS super guide for projections.
WorkCover and medical retirement
Work injuries are covered under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 through WorkCover Queensland. Importantly, OSA keeps being paid during workers' compensation leave, so a frontline officer doesn't lose that 21% while recovering.
OSA on WorkCover
Paid
cl 43.4
Income protection
87.75%
of insured salary, up to 2 years
Critical incident leave
3 days
paid, cl 65
Accumulation members get default TPD and income protection cover through QSuper; the income protection waiting period is 90 days in your first year, then 180 days or your sick leave plus Sick Leave Bank, whichever is greater. Closed Police account members have a permanent disability pension based on the service they'd have had to 60. A presumption that diagnosed PTSD in first responders is work-related has been reported but we couldn't confirm it from a primary source.
See the QPS workers comp guide and medical retirement guide. If you need help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or 000 in an emergency.
Workforce and recent news
QPS swore in about 1,180 officers in 2025, its second record year in a row, and graduations have continued through 2026 at both Oxley and Townsville.
5 October 2026
- What happened
- 35 First Year Constables graduate at Oxley
- Detail
- Latest of the 2026 graduations: 79 (30 Jan), 123 (Mar), 108 (May), 47 (Townsville, Jul), 126 (20 Aug, largest of the year) and 35 (Oxley, 5 Oct). The 79 and 35 figures were read directly; the others come from public summaries. Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM was in post at 6 Oct 2026.
2 July 2026
- What happened
- QPS social campaign targets New Zealand police
- Detail
- Run during the NZ police pay dispute. 1News puts Queensland First Year Constable pay at about A$92,000 against an NZ base of NZ$77,481, and reported at least 144 NZ officers had moved to Australia (May 2026 report).
24 June 2026
- What happened
- CPI uplift lifts the 2025 pay rise to 3.5%
- Detail
- March 2026 Brisbane CPI exceeded 3%, so the full 0.5% CUA applied. Back pay ran from the pay fortnight of 24 June 2026 to about 5 Aug 2026. As reported on the QPS CPI uplift page.
5 December 2025
- What happened
- Record recruiting year: almost 1,200 officers sworn in
- Detail
- Second record year in a row; the Jan 2026 ministerial statement gives 1,180.
13 October 2025
- What happened
- QPS Certified Agreement 2025 certified
- Detail
- The QIRC certified the agreement (CB/2025/116), operative the same day, nominal expiry 30 June 2028.
7 October 2025
- What happened
- New recruitment campaign: 'Stand for something bigger'
- Detail
- QPS launched the 'What will you stand for?' / 'Stand for something bigger' campaign.
25 September 2025
- What happened
- Police union members narrowly accept 8% deal
- Detail
- Preliminary count 51.6% in favour, with 9,870 of about 13,000 members voting. 8% over 3 years (3/2.5/2.5) plus the CPI uplift; deal valued at $540m, including $163m above the initial offer.
29 July 2025
- What happened
- In-principle pay deal agreed
- Detail
- Government reached an in-principle EBA with the QPU and Commissioned Officers' Union, including an $8,000 General Duties retention incentive over 2 years, new remote/regional allowances and better night-shift payments.
| Date | What happened | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 5 October 2026 | 35 First Year Constables graduate at Oxley | Latest of the 2026 graduations: 79 (30 Jan), 123 (Mar), 108 (May), 47 (Townsville, Jul), 126 (20 Aug, largest of the year) and 35 (Oxley, 5 Oct). The 79 and 35 figures were read directly; the others come from public summaries. Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM was in post at 6 Oct 2026. |
| 2 July 2026 | QPS social campaign targets New Zealand police | Run during the NZ police pay dispute. 1News puts Queensland First Year Constable pay at about A$92,000 against an NZ base of NZ$77,481, and reported at least 144 NZ officers had moved to Australia (May 2026 report). |
| 24 June 2026 | CPI uplift lifts the 2025 pay rise to 3.5% | March 2026 Brisbane CPI exceeded 3%, so the full 0.5% CUA applied. Back pay ran from the pay fortnight of 24 June 2026 to about 5 Aug 2026. As reported on the QPS CPI uplift page. |
| 5 December 2025 | Record recruiting year: almost 1,200 officers sworn in | Second record year in a row; the Jan 2026 ministerial statement gives 1,180. |
| 13 October 2025 | QPS Certified Agreement 2025 certified | The QIRC certified the agreement (CB/2025/116), operative the same day, nominal expiry 30 June 2028. |
| 7 October 2025 | New recruitment campaign: 'Stand for something bigger' | QPS launched the 'What will you stand for?' / 'Stand for something bigger' campaign. |
| 25 September 2025 | Police union members narrowly accept 8% deal | Preliminary count 51.6% in favour, with 9,870 of about 13,000 members voting. 8% over 3 years (3/2.5/2.5) plus the CPI uplift; deal valued at $540m, including $163m above the initial offer. |
| 29 July 2025 | In-principle pay deal agreed | Government reached an in-principle EBA with the QPU and Commissioned Officers' Union, including an $8,000 General Duties retention incentive over 2 years, new remote/regional allowances and better night-shift payments. |
Some 2026 graduation numbers come from search extracts; see the note in each row.
The next things to watch: the second General Duties retention payment on 31 January 2027, and the March 2027 CPI figure that decides whether 2026 pay gets a second uplift.
Pros and cons of working for the QPS
A fair read, based on the agreement and the evidence above.
Where Queensland is strong
- ✓18% employer super, the highest of any force, with no compulsory member contribution.
- ✓Double time for all overtime for most frontline officers.
- ✓OSA keeps being paid on most leave, including WorkCover.
- ✓A $20,000 incentive and a 20-week course for experienced police.
- ✓A CPI uplift that protects pay if inflation runs hot.
- ✓Generous rural payments: up to $7,000 a year RLIP, or the $13,906 Area Allowance.
- ✓A shorter fitness test (three components).
Where Queensland is weaker
- ✕A lower base salary than NSW or WA ($78,505); the headline depends on OSA.
- ✕Recruit pay is 70% of base, lower than WA's recruit rate.
- ✕Compulsory retirement at 60 (per our sources).
- ✕The agreement's printed pay tables are out of date, so you need QPS's separate CUA schedule to check your pay.
- ✕The 2025 deal was accepted by only 51.6% of members.
- ✕Several leave entitlements depend on public-sector directives we couldn't confirm.
If you'll work shifts and value super and overtime rates, Queensland's package is stronger than its base salary suggests. Compare it with every force on the forces comparison hub.
What we couldn't confirm (and who can)
Queensland has more open points than most, largely because the QPS recruiting site sits behind a CAPTCHA.
Recruit training pay
- What it means for you
- The recruiting site quotes about $53,700 and about $60,000
- Who can confirm
- QPS Recruiting
Exact Academy length in weeks
- What it means for you
- About 8 months; one secondary source says 36 weeks
- Who can confirm
- QPS Recruiting
Retirement at 60
- What it means for you
- The Act section wasn't checked
- Who can confirm
- QPS HR, QPU
Long service and paid parental leave
- What it means for you
- Set by public-sector directives not read
- Who can confirm
- QPS HR, forgov.qld.gov.au
'Up to $130k' for experienced officers
- What it means for you
- From search extracts
- Who can confirm
- QPS Recruiting
Whether on-call allowances take the CPI uplift
- What it means for you
- Shown at certified (pre-uplift) rates; salary-linked allowances are at QPS's official uplifted rates
- Who can confirm
- QPU
Same fitness standard for all ages and genders
- What it means for you
- Claimed in an extract, not in the PDF
- Who can confirm
- QPS Recruiting
| Open question | What it means for you | Who can confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit training pay | The recruiting site quotes about $53,700 and about $60,000 | QPS Recruiting |
| Exact Academy length in weeks | About 8 months; one secondary source says 36 weeks | QPS Recruiting |
| Retirement at 60 | The Act section wasn't checked | QPS HR, QPU |
| Long service and paid parental leave | Set by public-sector directives not read | QPS HR, forgov.qld.gov.au |
| 'Up to $130k' for experienced officers | From search extracts | QPS Recruiting |
| Whether on-call allowances take the CPI uplift | Shown at certified (pre-uplift) rates; salary-linked allowances are at QPS's official uplifted rates | QPU |
| Same fitness standard for all ages and genders | Claimed in an extract, not in the PDF | QPS Recruiting |
How this page stays current
Every QPS figure here comes from our Queensland data file. Pay rates are QPS's official CUA schedule. When the March 2027 CPI uplift lands, or QPS publishes new tables, we update the data once and every page follows.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Queensland police officer earn in 2026?
From 1 July 2026 a First Year Constable earns $78,505 base, a Senior Constable at the top point $118,127, a Sergeant at the top point $133,671 and a new Inspector $179,870. These are QPS's official CPI Uplift Adjustment (CUA) rates, including the 2025 CPI uplift. Most frontline officers add the 21% Operational Shift Allowance.
What is the OSA in the Queensland Police?
The Operational Shift Allowance is 21% of base salary for officers in operational shift positions who take an equal share of two- or three-shift rosters over seven days. It replaces shift and weekend penalties, public holiday rates and annual leave loading, and it keeps being paid on most paid leave, including workers' compensation. Night and late-night shifts add 20% or 25% on top.
Do QPS recruits get paid at the Academy?
Yes. Recruits are paid 70% of the First Year Constable base plus a $183 a fortnight training allowance, about $59,728 a year from 1 July 2026 by our calculation. The recruiting site gives conflicting totals of about $53,700 and about $60,000. Academy accommodation is free and there are no fees for training or pre-selection tests.
What beep test level do you need for Queensland Police?
Level 5 shuttle 7. The QPS Recruit Entry Fitness Assessment also needs a 90-second prone bridge and 10 push-ups from the toes, timed at one every two seconds. Separately, you must swim 100 m untimed without stopping or touching the side or bottom, certified by an approved instructor.
Can UK or NZ police join the Queensland Police?
Yes. Serving or recent frontline police can do the 20-week PACE course, and international officers (including from the UK and New Zealand) can come through a labour agreement allowing 500 a year. A $20,000 relocation incentive is paid to interstate and overseas police. A UK passport meets the English requirement.
Is QPS overtime double time?
For most frontline officers, yes. Non-commissioned officers who are operationally available and OST-qualified get double time for all overtime, recognising their duty to act, as do shift workers, detectives, general duties officers and some others. Everyone else gets time and a half for the first three hours, then double time, with Sunday all double time.
What is the retirement age for Queensland Police?
Our sources give compulsory retirement at 60. We haven't checked the section of the Police Service Administration Act that sets it, so confirm with QPS or the Queensland Police Union if your plans depend on it. QSuper Police account members can retire from 55 on a reduced pension.
How much super do Queensland police get?
Queensland pays police 18% of ordinary time earnings with no compulsory member contribution, the highest employer rate of any Australian force. On a First Year Constable's base alone, that is about $4,710 a year more than the 12% minimum. New officers start on a default 6% member contribution that they can reduce to zero.
Evidence
Sources and how we checked them
Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 10 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.
- Queensland Police Service Certified Agreement 2025 (QIRC CB/2025/116) — pay, allowances, overtime, leave and promotion
- Queensland Police Service: CPI Uplift Adjustment (CUA) FAQ and visual aids, Tranche 3 (official pay and allowance schedules)
- QPS Recruiting: Frequently asked questions (as summarised publicly)
- QPS Recruiting: General entry policing pathway (as summarised publicly)
- QPS Recruiting: Recruitment process (as summarised publicly)
- Queensland Police Service Application Process flowchart (PDF, version 20240427)
- QPS Recruit Entry Fitness Assessment Standard V1 20251021 (PDF)
- QPS Recruiting: International police recruitment (as summarised publicly)
- QPS Recruiting: Previous police experience (as summarised publicly)
- Queensland ministerial statement 97703 (9 May 2023): recruitment incentives
- Queensland ministerial statement 103206 (29 Jul 2025): in-principle police agreement
- Superannuation (State Public Sector) Regulation 2023 (SL 2023 No 47), explanatory notes
- QSuper Police Account Guide (issued 1 Jul 2026)
- QSuper Accumulation Account PDS
- MyRoster: QLD police wages
- ABC News, 25 Sep 2025: Queensland police accept 8 per cent pay rise
- myPolice QLD, 5 Dec 2025: new officers welcomed in another milestone recruiting year
- myPolice QLD, 6 Oct 2026: next wave of First Year Constables
- 1News, 2 Jul 2026: Qld police take cheeky shot at NZ pay
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General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.