Read this first: official NT rates vs our estimates
NT Police pay is set by the Northern Territory Police Force Consent Agreement 2025, certified by the Police Arbitral Tribunal after a 92% yes vote. The problem is that its salary schedule isn't public. The Police Association's copy is members-only, and the government copy sits behind a bot check we didn't try to get around.
Published by NTPFES
15
current pay points, official
Estimated by us
38
current pay points, marked 'calc'
Method check
13 of 13
published figures our method reproduces exactly
So here's what we did. NTPFES's recruiting pages publish current rates for recruits, Constable 1, Constable 3 to Constable First Class 10, ACPO 1, Auxiliary 1 and PPSOs. Each of those equals the 2022 agreement's June 2024 rate × 1.05 × 1.04, rounded at each step. We applied the same method to the ranks NTPFES doesn't publish.
How to read the tables
Figures with no marker are official NTPFES rates. Figures marked calc are estimated by us from the 2022 agreement plus the agreed 2025 increases. They're not official, and your actual rate could differ if the 2025 agreement changed the structure for that rank. Use them as a guide, and check your payslip or NTPA for the real figure.
NT Police pay table: Recruit to Constable First Class
2025 Consent Agreement year 2 (+4%), from about Aug 2026 (date inferred). Verified points are NTPFES-published rates; the rest are estimated by us.
These are the junior ranks, where nearly every rate is official. Base salary is shown first. The package column is the figure NTPFES publishes including the 23% Consolidated Allowance and 5% General Policing Allowance, where it publishes one.
Recruit Constable
- Pay point
- In training (first 4 months)
- Base salary
- $74,619
Recruit Constable
- Pay point
- After 4 months to graduation
- Base salary
- $79,095
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 1 (graduation to end of 12 months)
- Base salary
- $87,005
- Package (NTPFES)
- $111,366
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 2 (probationer to 24 months)
- Base salary
- $88,744 calc
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 3
- Base salary
- $90,520
- Package (NTPFES)
- $115,865
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 4
- Base salary
- $92,330
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 5
- Base salary
- $94,175
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 6
- Base salary
- $96,059
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 7
- Base salary
- $97,980
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 8
- Base salary
- $99,942
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 9
- Base salary
- $101,939
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 10
- Base salary
- $103,977
- Package (NTPFES)
- $133,090
| Rank | Pay point | Base salary | Package (NTPFES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit Constable | In training (first 4 months) | $74,619 | – |
| Recruit Constable | After 4 months to graduation | $79,095 | – |
| Constable | Constable 1 (graduation to end of 12 months) | $87,005 | $111,366 |
| Constable | Constable 2 (probationer to 24 months) | $88,744 calc | – |
| Constable | Constable 3 | $90,520 | $115,865 |
| Constable | Constable 4 | $92,330 | – |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 5 | $94,175 | – |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 6 | $96,059 | – |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 7 | $97,980 | – |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 8 | $99,942 | – |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 9 | $101,939 | – |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 10 | $103,977 | $133,090 |
Unmarked figures: NTPFES Constable and ARP pages. 'calc': estimated by us. Package = base + 23% Consolidated Allowance + 5% GPA, shown only where NTPFES publishes it. The effective date of about 7 August 2026 is inferred from the agreement's August 2025 start.
Constables move through four increments, one a year on their increment date, then to Constable First Class after four completed years' service with current operational safety training (OSTT) and the mandatory College online assessments. Constable First Class runs from point 5 to point 10, which is why an officer with 10 years' service on the Accelerated Recruitment Program is paid $103,977.
Probation for constables runs to the second anniversary of commencement under the Police Administration Act. Constable 2 ("probationer to 24 months") is the only junior point NTPFES doesn't publish; our estimate is $88,744.
Senior Constable, Sergeant, Senior Sergeant and Superintendent pay
Every figure in this table is our estimate
NTPFES doesn't publish rates above Constable First Class. These are the 2022 agreement's June 2024 rates × 1.05 × 1.04, the method that matches every published figure. They're labelled calc for that reason.
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 1
- Base salary
- $109,176 calc
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 2
- Base salary
- $111,359 calc
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 3
- Base salary
- $113,587 calc
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 4
- Base salary
- $115,857 calc
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 5
- Base salary
- $118,176 calc
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 6
- Base salary
- $120,539 calc
Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank)
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 1/C 1
- Base salary
- $124,757 calc
Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank)
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 1/C 2
- Base salary
- $126,628 calc
Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank)
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 1/C 3
- Base salary
- $128,529 calc
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 1
- Base salary
- $130,457 calc
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 2
- Base salary
- $132,546 calc
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 3
- Base salary
- $134,665 calc
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 4
- Base salary
- $136,820 calc
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 5
- Base salary
- $139,008 calc
Senior Sergeant
- Pay point
- Senior Sergeant 1
- Base salary
- $143,876 calc
Senior Sergeant
- Pay point
- Senior Sergeant 2
- Base salary
- $146,320 calc
Senior Sergeant
- Pay point
- Senior Sergeant 3
- Base salary
- $148,809 calc
Senior Sergeant
- Pay point
- Senior Sergeant 4
- Base salary
- $151,337 calc
Superintendent
- Pay point
- Superintendent 2
- Base salary
- $205,892 calc
Superintendent
- Pay point
- Superintendent 3
- Base salary
- $210,422 calc
Superintendent
- Pay point
- Superintendent 4
- Base salary
- $215,052 calc
| Rank | Pay point | Base salary | Package (NTPFES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 1 | $109,176 calc | – |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 2 | $111,359 calc | – |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 3 | $113,587 calc | – |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 4 | $115,857 calc | – |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 5 | $118,176 calc | – |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 6 | $120,539 calc | – |
| Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank) | Senior Constable 1/C 1 | $124,757 calc | – |
| Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank) | Senior Constable 1/C 2 | $126,628 calc | – |
| Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank) | Senior Constable 1/C 3 | $128,529 calc | – |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 1 | $130,457 calc | – |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 2 | $132,546 calc | – |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 3 | $134,665 calc | – |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 4 | $136,820 calc | – |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 5 | $139,008 calc | – |
| Senior Sergeant | Senior Sergeant 1 | $143,876 calc | – |
| Senior Sergeant | Senior Sergeant 2 | $146,320 calc | – |
| Senior Sergeant | Senior Sergeant 3 | $148,809 calc | – |
| Senior Sergeant | Senior Sergeant 4 | $151,337 calc | – |
| Superintendent | Superintendent 2 | $205,892 calc | – |
| Superintendent | Superintendent 3 | $210,422 calc | – |
| Superintendent | Superintendent 4 | $215,052 calc | – |
Estimated by us from the Consent Agreement 2022 (seven-weeks-leave table) plus the agreed 5% and 4% rises. Superintendents appear only in the 2022 agreement's six-weeks-leave table. Senior Constable First Class is a preserved rank, kept only by members gazetted before the 2022 agreement was certified.
On our estimates, a Senior Constable earns $109,176 to $120,539 base, a Sergeant $130,457 to $139,008, and a Senior Sergeant up to $151,337. Add the 28% in allowances for those in general policing positions and a top Sergeant's package would be about $177,930.
Two structural points. The NT salary tables we read have no Inspector rank, so there's no Inspector entry figure to compare. And the 2022 agreement has two tables: a "seven weeks leave" table (shown here) and a higher-paying "six weeks leave" table. How a member ends up on one or the other isn't something we've been able to confirm, so check your own payslip.
Constables are promoted to Senior Constable as soon as they qualify; other ranks need qualification plus superior merit for the position. See NT Police promotion.
ACPO, Police Auxiliary and PPSO pay
NT runs three non-constable streams alongside sworn constables, each with its own pay scale. Aboriginal Community Police Officers progress by years of service, and they received an extra 5% structural rise in year one of the 2025 agreement on top of the general increases.
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- ACPO 1
- Base salary
- $74,961
- Package (NTPFES)
- $95,950
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- ACPO 2
- Base salary
- $77,958 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- ACPO 3
- Base salary
- $81,076 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- ACPO 4
- Base salary
- $84,320 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- ACPO 1/C
- Base salary
- $87,692 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- Senior ACPO 6 yrs
- Base salary
- $91,639 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- Senior ACPO 10 yrs
- Base salary
- $95,304 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- Senior ACPO 15 yrs
- Base salary
- $99,116 calc
Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO)
- Pay point
- Senior ACPO 20 yrs
- Base salary
- $103,081 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Police Auxiliary 1
- Base salary
- $71,392
- Package (NTPFES)
- $91,381
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Police Auxiliary 2
- Base salary
- $74,246 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Police Auxiliary 3
- Base salary
- $77,216 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Police Auxiliary 4
- Base salary
- $80,305 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Auxiliary 1/C
- Base salary
- $83,516 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Senior Auxiliary 6 yrs
- Base salary
- $87,275 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Senior Auxiliary 10 yrs
- Base salary
- $90,765 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Senior Auxiliary 15 yrs
- Base salary
- $94,397 calc
Police Auxiliary
- Pay point
- Senior Auxiliary 20 yrs
- Base salary
- $98,172 calc
Police Public Safety Officer (PPSO)
- Pay point
- Recruit (during training)
- Base salary
- $74,069
Police Public Safety Officer (PPSO)
- Pay point
- PPSO
- Base salary
- $74,069
- Package (NTPFES)
- $94,808
| Stream | Pay point | Base salary | Package (NTPFES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | ACPO 1 | $74,961 | $95,950 |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | ACPO 2 | $77,958 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | ACPO 3 | $81,076 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | ACPO 4 | $84,320 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | ACPO 1/C | $87,692 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | Senior ACPO 6 yrs | $91,639 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | Senior ACPO 10 yrs | $95,304 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | Senior ACPO 15 yrs | $99,116 calc | – |
| Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) | Senior ACPO 20 yrs | $103,081 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Police Auxiliary 1 | $71,392 | $91,381 |
| Police Auxiliary | Police Auxiliary 2 | $74,246 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Police Auxiliary 3 | $77,216 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Police Auxiliary 4 | $80,305 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Auxiliary 1/C | $83,516 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Senior Auxiliary 6 yrs | $87,275 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Senior Auxiliary 10 yrs | $90,765 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Senior Auxiliary 15 yrs | $94,397 calc | – |
| Police Auxiliary | Senior Auxiliary 20 yrs | $98,172 calc | – |
| Police Public Safety Officer (PPSO) | Recruit (during training) | $74,069 | – |
| Police Public Safety Officer (PPSO) | PPSO | $74,069 | $94,808 |
ACPO 1, Auxiliary 1 and PPSO rates are published by NTPFES; the rest are estimated by us. Frontline Police Auxiliaries were consolidated into the new PPSO stream in 2025; JESCC (communications) Auxiliaries remain.
The Police Public Safety Officer stream was announced on 18 June 2025, merging frontline Auxiliaries, Public Housing Safety Officers and Transit Safety Officers. PPSOs earn $74,069 base ($94,808 package), train for 18 weeks and serve only in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. How the PPSO rate sits within the agreement tables isn't published.
ACPO 1 pays $74,961 base, or $95,950 with allowances. JESCC Auxiliaries start on $71,392.
The last NT Police pay rise and how much pay has moved
Today's rates appear to include the agreement's second step, 4%, probably from about August 2026. The table compares them with our estimate of the year-one rates from about 7 August 2025. Because NTPFES didn't publish a full year-one table, the "from" column is entirely our calculation.
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 1 (graduation to end of 12 months)
- From about 7 August 2025
- $83,659 calc
- Now
- $87,005
- Change
- +$3,346 (4%)
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 2 (probationer to 24 months)
- From about 7 August 2025
- $85,331 calc
- Now
- $88,744 calc
- Change
- +$3,413 (4%)
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 3
- From about 7 August 2025
- $87,038 calc
- Now
- $90,520
- Change
- +$3,482 (4%)
Constable
- Pay point
- Constable 4
- From about 7 August 2025
- $88,779 calc
- Now
- $92,330
- Change
- +$3,551 (4%)
Constable First Class
- Pay point
- Constable 1/C 10
- From about 7 August 2025
- $99,978 calc
- Now
- $103,977
- Change
- +$3,999 (4%)
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 1
- From about 7 August 2025
- $104,977 calc
- Now
- $109,176 calc
- Change
- +$4,199 (4%)
Senior Constable
- Pay point
- Senior Constable 6
- From about 7 August 2025
- $115,903 calc
- Now
- $120,539 calc
- Change
- +$4,636 (4%)
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 1
- From about 7 August 2025
- $125,439 calc
- Now
- $130,457 calc
- Change
- +$5,018 (4%)
Sergeant
- Pay point
- Sergeant 5
- From about 7 August 2025
- $133,662 calc
- Now
- $139,008 calc
- Change
- +$5,346 (4%)
Senior Sergeant
- Pay point
- Senior Sergeant 1
- From about 7 August 2025
- $138,342 calc
- Now
- $143,876 calc
- Change
- +$5,534 (4%)
Senior Sergeant
- Pay point
- Senior Sergeant 4
- From about 7 August 2025
- $145,516 calc
- Now
- $151,337 calc
- Change
- +$5,821 (4%)
| Rank | Pay point | From about 7 August 2025 | Now | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constable | Constable 1 (graduation to end of 12 months) | $83,659 calc | $87,005 | +$3,346 (4%) |
| Constable | Constable 2 (probationer to 24 months) | $85,331 calc | $88,744 calc | +$3,413 (4%) |
| Constable | Constable 3 | $87,038 calc | $90,520 | +$3,482 (4%) |
| Constable | Constable 4 | $88,779 calc | $92,330 | +$3,551 (4%) |
| Constable First Class | Constable 1/C 10 | $99,978 calc | $103,977 | +$3,999 (4%) |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 1 | $104,977 calc | $109,176 calc | +$4,199 (4%) |
| Senior Constable | Senior Constable 6 | $115,903 calc | $120,539 calc | +$4,636 (4%) |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 1 | $125,439 calc | $130,457 calc | +$5,018 (4%) |
| Sergeant | Sergeant 5 | $133,662 calc | $139,008 calc | +$5,346 (4%) |
| Senior Sergeant | Senior Sergeant 1 | $138,342 calc | $143,876 calc | +$5,534 (4%) |
| Senior Sergeant | Senior Sergeant 4 | $145,516 calc | $151,337 calc | +$5,821 (4%) |
'calc' = estimated by us. Average change across sworn ranks: 4.00%. Rounding at each step means individual points can differ from exactly 4% by a dollar or so.
Year one, about Aug 2025
+5%
ACPOs +5% more, structural
Year two, about Aug 2026
+4%
appears to be in current rates
Constable 1 since June 2024
+9.2%
official 2022-agreement rate to now
The deal was hard-won. Members rejected an earlier offer by 81% in August 2025, and the Police Association refused to put a first offer to members in April 2025 because it included 3% and the removal of Darwin police housing. The final 5%, 4%, 3% and 3% offer passed with 92% support on a turnout above 61%, and the agreement was filed with the Police Arbitral Tribunal on 12 November 2025.
Check your payslip
At the 2026 NTPA conference, the Association's President said the payroll system still wasn't aligned with the 2025 agreement and that members had to make some allowance claims manually. If your pay looks wrong, raise it with your pay office or NTPA.
The next NT Police pay rises
About 7 August 2027
- Change
- Year three of the 2025 Consent Agreement: 3% increase, expected from the first pay period on or after about 7 August 2027 (date inferred from the 7 Aug 2025 start and annual steps).
- Status
- Reported or inferred, not confirmed
About 7 August 2028
- Change
- Year four of the 2025 Consent Agreement: 3%, or CPI if CPI exceeds 3% in year four, from about August 2028 (date inferred).
- Status
- Reported or inferred, not confirmed
About 31 December 2028
- Change
- Reported $6,500 retention incentive payment in year four for members with 4+ years' continuous service by 31 Dec 2028 (pro-rata $1,625-$4,875 for 1-3 years). Reported in an OCPE fact sheet only; not confirmed in the final agreement.
- Status
- Reported or inferred, not confirmed
| Expected from | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|
| About 7 August 2027 | Year three of the 2025 Consent Agreement: 3% increase, expected from the first pay period on or after about 7 August 2027 (date inferred from the 7 Aug 2025 start and annual steps). | Reported or inferred, not confirmed |
| About 7 August 2028 | Year four of the 2025 Consent Agreement: 3%, or CPI if CPI exceeds 3% in year four, from about August 2028 (date inferred). | Reported or inferred, not confirmed |
| About 31 December 2028 | Reported $6,500 retention incentive payment in year four for members with 4+ years' continuous service by 31 Dec 2028 (pro-rata $1,625-$4,875 for 1-3 years). Reported in an OCPE fact sheet only; not confirmed in the final agreement. | Reported or inferred, not confirmed |
Dates are inferred from the agreement's 7 August 2025 start; the agreement text hasn't been seen.
On today's published rate, the year-three 3% would take a Constable 1 from $87,005 to about $89,615 base (our arithmetic, not an official rate). The year-four step is 3%, or CPI if CPI is higher than 3%, which protects real pay if inflation picks up.
The reported $6,500 one-off in year four retention payment, for members with four or more years' continuous service by 31 December 2028, comes only from a search snippet of a government fact sheet. Don't count on it until the agreement text confirms it. Follow the details on the NT Police pay deal page.
NT base salary vs package: what the figures include
NT quotes two numbers, and the gap between them is large. Base salary is the agreement rate. The package adds two allowances that are both percentages of salary:
In the NTPFES package figure
- ✓Consolidated Allowance: 23% of salary, paid once you're posted after training
- ✓General Policing Allowance (GPA): 5% of base salary, for Senior Sergeant and below in general policing positions
Not in the package (paid separately, if eligible)
- ✕Night Shift Allowance: 15% of base salary (hourly equivalent) for each night shift worked
- ✕Housing allowance of $33,184 a year if you provide your own accommodation
- ✕Overtime, on-call and stand-by, remote incentives and specialist allowances
So a Constable 1 on $87,005 base has a package of $111,366, and with the housing allowance could receive $144,550 before overtime and night shifts. That's why NT pay looks so different depending on which number you read.
In the NT, the base salary is only about 60% of what an eligible first-year constable can receive once the allowances and housing are added.
The package isn't paid during recruit training, and the GPA depends on being in a gazetted general policing position with current OSTT. Designated detectives at Senior Sergeant and below also get a separate Detectives Allowance of 5% of base salary.
NT Police recruit pay and the 30-week course
First 4 months
$74,619
Recruit Constable
4 months to graduation
$79,095
Recruit Constable
Relocation
Up to $20,000
reimbursement, new recruits
Constable recruits train at the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services College at the Peter McAulay Centre in Berrimah, Darwin. NTPFES's Constable page says the course is 30 weeks; its PPSO FAQ calls it "the 32-week Constable course". Graduates receive the Diploma of Policing.
Recruit pay is high by national standards: $74,619 is above most forces' trainee rates. But allowances aren't paid during training, so the big jump comes at graduation, when a Constable 1 moves to $87,005 base and, once posted, $111,366 with allowances. Barracks, free departmental accommodation or the housing allowance is available to recruits too.
Experienced officers: the ARP
Current or recent police from Australia or New Zealand with at least two years' service at Constable or above can join through the Accelerated Recruitment Program. Pay is set at the NT increment for your completed years of service, capped at 10 or more years: three completed years means Constable 3 ($90,520), and 10 years means Constable First Class 10 ($103,977). The 23% and 5% allowances start once you're posted. Probation is 12 months including training.
For the full recruit pathway see how to become a police officer in the NT, and compare training pay in recruit pay while training.
Every NT Police allowance
Most NT allowances below come from the 2022 Consent Agreement, which we've read in full. The 2025 agreement may have changed some of them; NTPA says it improved overtime and kept housing, but we haven't seen the new allowance table. Dollar amounts marked "as at CA 2022 certification" are CPI-indexed each 1 January, so the current figures are higher.
Consolidated Allowance
- Amount
- 23% of salary
- Who gets it
- Operational members from commencement of duties at their posting after training; not recruits in training
- Detail
- Raised from 20% to 23% in the 2022 agreement (cl.15) and still 23% per NTPFES in 2026. Our interpretation is that it compensates for shift and weekend work in lieu of separate penalty rates.
General Policing Allowance (GPA)
- Amount
- 5% of base salary
- Who gets it
- Senior Sergeant and below in gazetted general policing positions with current OSTT; not recruits in training
- Detail
- Paid in addition to the Consolidated Allowance (CA 2022 cl.17; also on NTPFES pages).
GPA at isolated localities (permanently stationed)
- Amount
- Group A 12%; Group B 12%; Tennant Creek 5% (replaces the standard 5%) unconfirmed
- Who gets it
- Members qualified under cl.17 permanently stationed at a listed isolated locality
- Detail
- Read in CA 2022 cl.56(e)(i), but the scanned copy shows Group B as '1.2%' (almost certainly 12%). CA 2019 had Group A 9%, Group B 12%. To be confirmed.
GPA at isolated localities (temporary)
- Amount
- Group A 9%; Group B 12%; Tennant Creek 5%
- Who gets it
- Members temporarily stationed at an isolated locality
Night Shift Allowance
- Amount
- 15% of base salary (hourly equivalent) for each night shift worked
- Who gets it
- Senior Sergeant and below; not recruits in training
- Detail
- Not payable when the night shift is worked as overtime (CA 2022 cl.20; also on the NTPFES Constable page).
Overtime: weekdays
- Amount
- Time and a half
- Who gets it
- Senior Sergeant and below
- Detail
- Must be directed by a Senior Sergeant or above (Superintendent or above for Senior Sergeants). CA 2022 cl.31(c)(iii). NTPA says the 2025 agreement contains 'improved overtime provisions'; details not seen.
Overtime: Saturday and Sunday
- Amount
- Double time
- Who gets it
- Senior Sergeant and below
Overtime: public holiday
- Amount
- Double time and a half
- Who gets it
- Senior Sergeant and below
Overtime minimums and recall
- Amount
- 4 hours minimum for pre-notified overtime not continuous with a shift; recall without prior notice at double time, minimum 2 hours including travel
- Detail
- CA 2022 cl.31(g)-(i).
Roster change penalty
- Amount
- 20% for the entire newly rostered shift
- Detail
- When a shift is changed without consent and with less than 72 hours' notice. An RDO worked without 72 hours' notice is paid at the overtime rate instead.
On-Call Allowance
- Amount
- 5% of the hourly rate of a top-increment Senior Sergeant (7 weeks leave table) per hour; 7.5% on an RDO or if on call more than 7 days in 14; minimum 8 hours
- Who gets it
- Designated units or with Commissioner approval; ranks above Senior Sergeant not eligible without approval
Stand-By Allowance
- Amount
- 50% of the hourly rate of a top-increment Senior Constable (7 weeks leave table), maximum 8 hours in 24
- Who gets it
- Members directed to remain at a place ready for immediate recall
Detectives Allowance
- Amount
- 5% of base salary
- Who gets it
- Designated detectives, Senior Sergeant and below
Tactical Operators Allowance (TRG)
- Amount
- 5% of top Senior Constable First Class salary (7 weeks leave table) a year
- Who gets it
- Territory Response Group members, Senior Sergeant and below
Dog Handlers Allowance
- Amount
- 12% of the hourly rate of a top-increment Senior Constable
- Who gets it
- Gazetted dog handler positions
- Detail
- Our reading: per hour off duty caring for the dog.
School Based Policing Allowance
- Amount
- 5% of salary
- Who gets it
- Auxiliaries and Constables in designated school based policing positions
Special Location Allowance: Tennant Creek
- Amount
- 7% of base salary
- Who gets it
- Senior Sergeant and below at Tennant Creek; Superintendents at any isolated location
Consolidated Remote Incentive Allowance (CRIA)
- Amount
- Years 1/2/3: Special Category 5/5/5%; Group A 5/5/5%; Group B 6/12/12%; Tennant Creek 11/18/18%
- Who gets it
- Members at isolated policing locations (Jabiru, Adelaide River and Batchelor are Special Category)
- Detail
- Replaces locality bonuses and TV/internet and freight allowances. The salary base isn't stated in the text we read. Same figures in CA 2019; the Group B / Tennant Creek year 2-3 figures are unclear in the scanned copy in the 2022 copy ('1.2%', '1.8%') but clean in CA 2019. Not known whether the 2025 agreement changed them.
Barge freight component
- Amount
- $500 a year single / $1,000 a year with dependants (reimbursement)
- Who gets it
- Barge-serviced locations (Alyangula, Galiwinku, Lake Evella, Maningrida, Nhulunbuy, Pirlangimpi, Ramingining, Wadeye, Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti)
- Detail
- value is the single rate.
Housing allowance
- Amount
- $33,184 a year (taxable, paid fortnightly)
- Who gets it
- Constables and ACPOs who provide their own accommodation (renting or buying) instead of barracks or free departmental housing
- Detail
- Reviewed with CPI. Was $28,544.47 as at 1 July 2022 (CA 2022 cl.14). The 2025 first offer proposed removing Darwin police housing; NTPA says the final agreement retained existing housing entitlements.
PPSO housing allowance (Katherine, Alice Springs)
- Amount
- $15,923.48 a year
- Who gets it
- PPSOs in Katherine and Alice Springs
- Detail
- Tennant Creek PPSOs get free NTG employee housing.
Free electricity, 2 gas bottles a year and annual pest control
- Amount
- Provided in kind
- Who gets it
- Members permanently stationed in isolated localities in agency dwellings
- Detail
- CA 2022 cl.62.
Fares Out of Isolated Localities (FOILS)
- Amount
- Economy airfare from the isolated locality to a prescribed destination (or vehicle allowance)
- Who gets it
- Superintendent and below, including ACPOs, gazetted at isolated stations
- Detail
- Usable after 3 months' service and not more often than 3-monthly. Number of FOILS per year by location not extracted.
Recreation leave fares (pre-13 February 1989 appointees only)
- Amount
- Return economy airfare (Darwin-Melbourne value cap) every 2 years, paid as a grossed-up lump sum around 1 May
- Who gets it
- Members appointed before 13 February 1989 with continuous service
Relocation assistance (new recruits)
- Amount
- Up to $20,000 (reimbursement only)
- Who gets it
- New recruits
- Detail
- May be available on evidence of expenditure.
Relocation Allowance on transfer
- Amount
- $579 a fortnight single / $801 a fortnight with dependants (as at CA 2022 certification, 2023)
- Detail
- Fortnightly amounts. CPI-indexed each 1 January, so these figures are outdated.
Disturbance allowance
- Amount
- Single $432; with spouse/dependant $992; plus $130 for each additional child (per transfer, as at CA 2022 certification)
- Detail
- CPI-indexed; figures outdated.
Overtime meal allowance
- Amount
- $23.00 per meal (as at CA 2022 certification)
- Detail
- CPI-indexed each 1 January; figure outdated.
Travel meal allowance
- Amount
- Breakfast $18.40, lunch $28.30, dinner $39.80; incidentals $14.30 a day (as at CA 2022 certification)
- Detail
- CPI-indexed; figures outdated.
Camping allowance
- Amount
- $113.00 a day (as at CA 2022 certification)
- Detail
- CPI-indexed; figure outdated.
Plain clothes allowance
- Amount
- $2,305 a year (as at CA 2022 certification)
- Detail
- CPI-indexed; figure outdated.
Higher Duties Allowance
- Amount
- Difference to the higher rank's increment
- Detail
- When acting for 40+ hours in a consecutive shift sequence.
Retention incentive payment (reported)
- Amount
- $6,500 one-off in year four unconfirmed
- Who gets it
- Members with 4+ years' continuous service by 31 Dec 2028; pro-rata $1,625-$4,875 for 1-3 years
- Detail
- Reported in an OCPE fact sheet only; not confirmed in the final agreement text.
Milestone retention bonus (election commitment)
- Amount
- $10,000 at 10 years; $15,000 at 15 years; $20,000 at 20/25/30/35/40 years unconfirmed
- Detail
- CLP 2024 election promise; NTPA says the Government limited it to members reaching a milestone in 2025 (a 'lottery'). Reported in a party political page; implementation detail unconfirmed.
| Allowance | Amount | Who gets it | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Allowance | 23% of salary | Operational members from commencement of duties at their posting after training; not recruits in training | Raised from 20% to 23% in the 2022 agreement (cl.15) and still 23% per NTPFES in 2026. Our interpretation is that it compensates for shift and weekend work in lieu of separate penalty rates. |
| General Policing Allowance (GPA) | 5% of base salary | Senior Sergeant and below in gazetted general policing positions with current OSTT; not recruits in training | Paid in addition to the Consolidated Allowance (CA 2022 cl.17; also on NTPFES pages). |
| GPA at isolated localities (permanently stationed) | Group A 12%; Group B 12%; Tennant Creek 5% (replaces the standard 5%) unconfirmed | Members qualified under cl.17 permanently stationed at a listed isolated locality | Read in CA 2022 cl.56(e)(i), but the scanned copy shows Group B as '1.2%' (almost certainly 12%). CA 2019 had Group A 9%, Group B 12%. To be confirmed. |
| GPA at isolated localities (temporary) | Group A 9%; Group B 12%; Tennant Creek 5% | Members temporarily stationed at an isolated locality | – |
| Night Shift Allowance | 15% of base salary (hourly equivalent) for each night shift worked | Senior Sergeant and below; not recruits in training | Not payable when the night shift is worked as overtime (CA 2022 cl.20; also on the NTPFES Constable page). |
| Overtime: weekdays | Time and a half | Senior Sergeant and below | Must be directed by a Senior Sergeant or above (Superintendent or above for Senior Sergeants). CA 2022 cl.31(c)(iii). NTPA says the 2025 agreement contains 'improved overtime provisions'; details not seen. |
| Overtime: Saturday and Sunday | Double time | Senior Sergeant and below | – |
| Overtime: public holiday | Double time and a half | Senior Sergeant and below | – |
| Overtime minimums and recall | 4 hours minimum for pre-notified overtime not continuous with a shift; recall without prior notice at double time, minimum 2 hours including travel | – | CA 2022 cl.31(g)-(i). |
| Roster change penalty | 20% for the entire newly rostered shift | – | When a shift is changed without consent and with less than 72 hours' notice. An RDO worked without 72 hours' notice is paid at the overtime rate instead. |
| On-Call Allowance | 5% of the hourly rate of a top-increment Senior Sergeant (7 weeks leave table) per hour; 7.5% on an RDO or if on call more than 7 days in 14; minimum 8 hours | Designated units or with Commissioner approval; ranks above Senior Sergeant not eligible without approval | – |
| Stand-By Allowance | 50% of the hourly rate of a top-increment Senior Constable (7 weeks leave table), maximum 8 hours in 24 | Members directed to remain at a place ready for immediate recall | – |
| Detectives Allowance | 5% of base salary | Designated detectives, Senior Sergeant and below | – |
| Tactical Operators Allowance (TRG) | 5% of top Senior Constable First Class salary (7 weeks leave table) a year | Territory Response Group members, Senior Sergeant and below | – |
| Dog Handlers Allowance | 12% of the hourly rate of a top-increment Senior Constable | Gazetted dog handler positions | Our reading: per hour off duty caring for the dog. |
| School Based Policing Allowance | 5% of salary | Auxiliaries and Constables in designated school based policing positions | – |
| Special Location Allowance: Tennant Creek | 7% of base salary | Senior Sergeant and below at Tennant Creek; Superintendents at any isolated location | – |
| Consolidated Remote Incentive Allowance (CRIA) | Years 1/2/3: Special Category 5/5/5%; Group A 5/5/5%; Group B 6/12/12%; Tennant Creek 11/18/18% | Members at isolated policing locations (Jabiru, Adelaide River and Batchelor are Special Category) | Replaces locality bonuses and TV/internet and freight allowances. The salary base isn't stated in the text we read. Same figures in CA 2019; the Group B / Tennant Creek year 2-3 figures are unclear in the scanned copy in the 2022 copy ('1.2%', '1.8%') but clean in CA 2019. Not known whether the 2025 agreement changed them. |
| Barge freight component | $500 a year single / $1,000 a year with dependants (reimbursement) | Barge-serviced locations (Alyangula, Galiwinku, Lake Evella, Maningrida, Nhulunbuy, Pirlangimpi, Ramingining, Wadeye, Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti) | value is the single rate. |
| Housing allowance | $33,184 a year (taxable, paid fortnightly) | Constables and ACPOs who provide their own accommodation (renting or buying) instead of barracks or free departmental housing | Reviewed with CPI. Was $28,544.47 as at 1 July 2022 (CA 2022 cl.14). The 2025 first offer proposed removing Darwin police housing; NTPA says the final agreement retained existing housing entitlements. |
| PPSO housing allowance (Katherine, Alice Springs) | $15,923.48 a year | PPSOs in Katherine and Alice Springs | Tennant Creek PPSOs get free NTG employee housing. |
| Free electricity, 2 gas bottles a year and annual pest control | Provided in kind | Members permanently stationed in isolated localities in agency dwellings | CA 2022 cl.62. |
| Fares Out of Isolated Localities (FOILS) | Economy airfare from the isolated locality to a prescribed destination (or vehicle allowance) | Superintendent and below, including ACPOs, gazetted at isolated stations | Usable after 3 months' service and not more often than 3-monthly. Number of FOILS per year by location not extracted. |
| Recreation leave fares (pre-13 February 1989 appointees only) | Return economy airfare (Darwin-Melbourne value cap) every 2 years, paid as a grossed-up lump sum around 1 May | Members appointed before 13 February 1989 with continuous service | – |
| Relocation assistance (new recruits) | Up to $20,000 (reimbursement only) | New recruits | May be available on evidence of expenditure. |
| Relocation Allowance on transfer | $579 a fortnight single / $801 a fortnight with dependants (as at CA 2022 certification, 2023) | – | Fortnightly amounts. CPI-indexed each 1 January, so these figures are outdated. |
| Disturbance allowance | Single $432; with spouse/dependant $992; plus $130 for each additional child (per transfer, as at CA 2022 certification) | – | CPI-indexed; figures outdated. |
| Overtime meal allowance | $23.00 per meal (as at CA 2022 certification) | – | CPI-indexed each 1 January; figure outdated. |
| Travel meal allowance | Breakfast $18.40, lunch $28.30, dinner $39.80; incidentals $14.30 a day (as at CA 2022 certification) | – | CPI-indexed; figures outdated. |
| Camping allowance | $113.00 a day (as at CA 2022 certification) | – | CPI-indexed; figure outdated. |
| Plain clothes allowance | $2,305 a year (as at CA 2022 certification) | – | CPI-indexed; figure outdated. |
| Higher Duties Allowance | Difference to the higher rank's increment | – | When acting for 40+ hours in a consecutive shift sequence. |
| Retention incentive payment (reported) | $6,500 one-off in year four unconfirmed | Members with 4+ years' continuous service by 31 Dec 2028; pro-rata $1,625-$4,875 for 1-3 years | Reported in an OCPE fact sheet only; not confirmed in the final agreement text. |
| Milestone retention bonus (election commitment) | $10,000 at 10 years; $15,000 at 15 years; $20,000 at 20/25/30/35/40 years unconfirmed | – | CLP 2024 election promise; NTPA says the Government limited it to members reaching a milestone in 2025 (a 'lottery'). Reported in a party political page; implementation detail unconfirmed. |
Sources: NTPFES recruitment pages (current) and the NT Police Force Consent Agreement 2022 (clause numbers in the detail column). 'unconfirmed' marks a figure we couldn't verify in an agreement.
Remote service
Remote postings are where NT pay climbs fastest. The Consolidated Remote Incentive Allowance pays Years 1/2/3: Special Category 5/5/5%; Group A 5/5/5%; Group B 6/12/12%; Tennant Creek 11/18/18%. The GPA rises to 12% for members permanently stationed in many isolated localities, and those postings also earn extra recreation leave, fares out of isolated localities, free electricity and gas, and freight help at barge-serviced communities.
Compare remote packages across forces in remote and rural policing incentives.
NT Police overtime rules
These are the 2022 rules
Under the 2022 agreement, overtime for Senior Sergeant and below is time and a half on weekdays, double time on weekends and double time and a half on public holidays, with a 4-hour minimum for pre-notified overtime and a 2-hour minimum double-time recall. NTPA says the 2025 agreement improved overtime, but the details have not been seen.
Overtime, recall and roster changes (CA 2022 cl.31)
- ✓ Weekdays: 1.5 x ordinary rate (CA 2022 cl.31(c)(iii)).
- ✓ Saturday and Sunday: 2 x ordinary rate.
- ✓ Public holidays: 2.5 x ordinary rate.
- ✓ Must be directed by a Senior Sergeant or above (Superintendent or above for Senior Sergeants).
- ✓ Pre-notified overtime not continuous with a shift: minimum 4 hours.
- ✓ Recall to duty without prior notice: double time, minimum 2 hours including travel (cl.31(g)-(i)).
- ✓ Shift changed without consent and with less than 72 hours' notice: 20% penalty for the whole newly rostered shift; an RDO worked without 72 hours' notice is paid at the overtime rate.
- ✓ Night shift allowance is not paid when the night shift is worked as overtime.
- ✓ Overtime meal allowance $23.00 per meal (2022 figure, CPI-indexed).
NT pays different multipliers by day, unlike Tasmania or the AFP's flat double time. A weekend overtime shift is worth a third more than the same hours on a weekday, and a public holiday two-thirds more. The 20% roster change penalty is also worth knowing: if your shift is changed without your consent and with less than 72 hours' notice, the whole new shift attracts a 20% penalty.
We don't show a dollar-per-hour overtime figure for the NT because the hourly base, including whether it uses ordinary hours of 38 or 40 and whether any allowance is included, isn't confirmed in what we've read. The overtime calculator uses an estimate and says so. Compare rules nationally in police overtime and penalty rates.
What NT police take home: worked examples
These examples use the current base salary plus the 23% Consolidated Allowance and 5% GPA, then 2026-27 income tax and the Medicare levy. The fourth adds the housing allowance, which is taxable and paid fortnightly. No overtime, night shifts, remote allowances or HELP.
Constable 1, general duties
- How gross pay is built
- $87,005 base + 28%
- Gross a year
- $111,366
- Tax + Medicare
- $26,157
- Take-home a year
- $85,209
- Per fortnight
- $3,277
Constable First Class 10
- How gross pay is built
- $103,977 base + 28%
- Gross a year
- $133,090
- Tax + Medicare
- $33,109
- Take-home a year
- $99,981
- Per fortnight
- $3,845
Sergeant 5 calc
- How gross pay is built
- $139,008 estimated base + 28%
- Gross a year
- $177,930
- Tax + Medicare
- $50,463
- Take-home a year
- $127,467
- Per fortnight
- $4,903
Constable 1 + housing allowance
- How gross pay is built
- $111,366 + $33,184
- Gross a year
- $144,550
- Tax + Medicare
- $37,445
- Take-home a year
- $107,106
- Per fortnight
- $4,119
| Officer | How gross pay is built | Gross a year | Tax + Medicare | Take-home a year | Per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constable 1, general duties | $87,005 base + 28% | $111,366 | $26,157 | $85,209 | $3,277 |
| Constable First Class 10 | $103,977 base + 28% | $133,090 | $33,109 | $99,981 | $3,845 |
| Sergeant 5 calc | $139,008 estimated base + 28% | $177,930 | $50,463 | $127,467 | $4,903 |
| Constable 1 + housing allowance | $111,366 + $33,184 | $144,550 | $37,445 | $107,106 | $4,119 |
Our calculation using 2026-27 resident tax rates, the Low Income Tax Offset and the 2% Medicare levy. The Sergeant example uses our estimated base salary. Super contributions and salary packaging are not included.
Constable 1, base only
$2,640
per fortnight
With CA and GPA
$3,277
per fortnight
With housing too
$4,119
per fortnight
The housing allowance is taxed as income, so its after-tax value is lower than the headline: for a Constable 1 it adds about $842 a fortnight. Because it pushes total income past $135,000, part of it is taxed at 39% including Medicare. Free departmental housing, where available, has no tax cost, which is worth weighing.
Work out your NT Police take-home pay
Choose your pay point, add the Consolidated Allowance, GPA, night shifts, overtime and HELP, and see what lands each fortnight.
Leave and super for NT police
Annual leave
- What you get
- 7 weeks a year appears to be the standard (the main salary table is labelled 'Seven weeks leave'; a higher-paying 'Six Weeks Leave' table also exists). The PATD clause setting the base entitlement was not read. PPSOs: 7 weeks (280 hours), confirmed by NTPFES. Extra weeks at isolated localities (Group A and Tennant Creek: +1 week at 24 months, +1 at 36 months and each 12 months after; Group B: +1 week per 12 months) and Katherine (+1 week after 3 years, then +1 per 12 months).
Sick and carer's leave
- What you get
- Carer's leave 10 days per 12 months (cumulative); up to 4 rostered shifts a calendar year without evidence; medical certificate needed beyond 120 hours in a financial year. The total sick-leave quantum is in PATD Determination No. 1 of 2011, which was not read. PPSOs: 4 weeks (20 days) personal leave on commencement and each year.
Long service leave
- What you get
- 4 calendar months after 10 years' continuous service, then 12 calendar days for each further year; pro-rata on resignation after 7 years (22.5/45/67.5 days at 7/8/9 years).
Parental leave
- What you get
- Primary caregiver: 14 weeks paid after 12 months' service (pro-rata from 39 weeks), 18 weeks paid after 5 years, up to 3 years in total. Partner leave: 1 week paid after 12 months, 2 weeks paid after 5 years, up to 3 years in total.
Employer super
- What you get
- Believed to be the 12% Superannuation Guarantee (from 1 July 2025) paid into the member's chosen fund; no police-specific higher employer rate was found. Not confirmed on a primary source. Salary for super purposes is gross salary before any salary sacrifice (CA 2022 cl.13, verified).
| Entitlement | What you get |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 7 weeks a year appears to be the standard (the main salary table is labelled 'Seven weeks leave'; a higher-paying 'Six Weeks Leave' table also exists). The PATD clause setting the base entitlement was not read. PPSOs: 7 weeks (280 hours), confirmed by NTPFES. Extra weeks at isolated localities (Group A and Tennant Creek: +1 week at 24 months, +1 at 36 months and each 12 months after; Group B: +1 week per 12 months) and Katherine (+1 week after 3 years, then +1 per 12 months). |
| Sick and carer's leave | Carer's leave 10 days per 12 months (cumulative); up to 4 rostered shifts a calendar year without evidence; medical certificate needed beyond 120 hours in a financial year. The total sick-leave quantum is in PATD Determination No. 1 of 2011, which was not read. PPSOs: 4 weeks (20 days) personal leave on commencement and each year. |
| Long service leave | 4 calendar months after 10 years' continuous service, then 12 calendar days for each further year; pro-rata on resignation after 7 years (22.5/45/67.5 days at 7/8/9 years). |
| Parental leave | Primary caregiver: 14 weeks paid after 12 months' service (pro-rata from 39 weeks), 18 weeks paid after 5 years, up to 3 years in total. Partner leave: 1 week paid after 12 months, 2 weeks paid after 5 years, up to 3 years in total. |
| Employer super | Believed to be the 12% Superannuation Guarantee (from 1 July 2025) paid into the member's chosen fund; no police-specific higher employer rate was found. Not confirmed on a primary source. Salary for super purposes is gross salary before any salary sacrifice (CA 2022 cl.13, verified). |
Consent Agreement 2022 and NTPFES pages. The base recreation and sick leave quantum is in a 2011 Police Arbitral Tribunal determination we haven't read.
Seven weeks of annual leave appears to be the standard, which would put the NT among the most generous forces for leave, and remote postings earn extra weeks on top. Long service leave is also strong: four calendar months after 10 years. You can buy one to six extra weeks of leave a year after 12 months' service. More in NT Police leave.
On super, members appointed after 9 August 1999 are believed to receive the 12% Superannuation Guarantee into a fund of their choice, with no special police rate. Members appointed before 10 August 1999 must keep contributing to the CSS or NTGPASS (CA 2022 cl.30(m)). Salary for super is gross salary before salary sacrifice. See NT Police super.
How NT Police pay compares with the other forces
- First-year constable
- $92,576
- Top senior constable
- $139,688
- Top sergeant
- $157,203
- Inspector entry
- $178,719
- Employer super
- 12%
- First-year constable
- $84,060
- Top senior constable
- $118,945
- Top sergeant
- $149,358
- Inspector entry
- $170,644
- Employer super
- 12% minimum (scheme varies)
- First-year constable
- $78,505
- Top senior constable
- $118,127
- Top sergeant
- $133,671
- Inspector entry
- $179,870
- Employer super
- 18%
- First-year constable
- $94,651
- Top senior constable
- $124,558
- Top sergeant
- $135,005
- Inspector entry
- $173,361
- Employer super
- 12%
- First-year constable
- $83,398
- Top senior constable
- $117,542
- Top sergeant
- $135,363
- Inspector entry
- $168,670
- Employer super
- 12% minimum (scheme varies)
- First-year constable
- $73,518
- Top senior constable
- $107,420
- Top sergeant
- $125,625
- Inspector entry
- $170,026
- Employer super
- 12%
NT Police (this page)
- First-year constable
- $87,005
- Top senior constable
- $120,539 calc
- Top sergeant
- $139,008 calc
- Inspector entry
- no equivalent published
- Employer super
- 12% minimum (scheme varies)
- First-year constable
- $72,317
- Top senior constable
- $111,861 calc
- Top sergeant
- $132,185 calc
- Inspector entry
- no equivalent published
- Employer super
- 15.4%
| Force | First-year constable | Top senior constable | Top sergeant | Inspector entry | Employer super |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | $92,576 | $139,688 | $157,203 | $178,719 | 12% |
| Victoria Police | $84,060 | $118,945 | $149,358 | $170,644 | 12% minimum (scheme varies) |
| QPS | $78,505 | $118,127 | $133,671 | $179,870 | 18% |
| WA Police | $94,651 | $124,558 | $135,005 | $173,361 | 12% |
| SAPOL | $83,398 | $117,542 | $135,363 | $168,670 | 12% minimum (scheme varies) |
| Tasmania Police | $73,518 | $107,420 | $125,625 | $170,026 | 12% |
| NT Police (this page) | $87,005 | $120,539 calc | $139,008 calc | no equivalent published | 12% minimum (scheme varies) |
| AFP | $72,317 | $111,861 calc | $132,185 calc | no equivalent published | 15.4% |
Headline figures are not like for like. NSW includes its 11.5% loading and Victoria its 13% commuted penalty; most others are base salary with shift loadings or composites paid on top. 'calc' marks a figure calculated by us from the agreement; 'unconfirmed' marks a reported figure. Employer super shown where a force-specific rate is confirmed; Victoria's operational police are in a defined benefit scheme.
NT's first-year base of $87,005 is one of the higher base rates in the country, and unlike NSW or Victoria it doesn't include a loading. Add the 28% in allowances and the housing allowance and few forces come close for a new constable. The trade-offs are distance, remote service and the cost of living in the Territory.
Two cautions when you compare. The NT's top Senior Constable and Sergeant figures in the table are our estimates, not published rates. And the NT has no Inspector rank in its tables, so there's nothing to compare at that level. For a like-for-like view, see the national police pay comparison, QLD police salary and WA police salary.
NT Police pay deal status
- 1
April 2025: first offer rejected
RejectedNTPA refused to put an offer of 3% and the removal of Darwin police housing to members.
- 2
August 2025: members vote no
81% no1,120 members voted, 81% against an offer NTPA criticised for a 3% wage cap and a 'retention bonus lottery'.
- 3
September 2025: 5/4/3/3 accepted
92% yes92% voted yes on a turnout above 61%, with a CPI guarantee in year four and a 5% structural rise for ACPOs.
- 4
12 November 2025: filed with the Tribunal
In forceThe Consent Agreement 2025 was finalised and filed with the Police Arbitral Tribunal. It runs four years from about 7 August 2025.
On a four-year term from about August 2025, the agreement is expected to run to about August 2029. Until its full text is public, we'll keep labelling the unpublished ranks as estimates, and we'll replace them with official rates the moment we can read the schedule. Follow it on the NT Police pay deal page and the national pay deal tracker.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do NT Police officers earn?
NTPFES publishes $87,005 base for a Constable in their first year after graduation, or $111,366 including the 23% Consolidated Allowance and 5% General Policing Allowance. A Constable First Class at the top increment earns $103,977 base ($133,090 package). Senior Constable and above aren't published; our estimates put a top Sergeant at about $139,008 base.
Are NT Police the highest paid in Australia?
The NT Government has said NT constables are the highest paid nationally. That's the Government's claim, not our check. On base salary NT is above most states; on package, the 28% in allowances and the housing allowance make NT one of the strongest offers for a first-year constable. Compare forces like for like using each force's basis.
What is the NT Police housing allowance?
Constables and ACPOs who provide their own accommodation, renting or buying, instead of using barracks or free departmental housing, get $33,184 a year (taxable, paid fortnightly). It's reviewed with CPI and was $28,544.47 in July 2022. NTPA says the 2025 agreement kept existing housing entitlements after the first offer proposed removing Darwin police housing.
Do NT police recruits get paid during training?
Yes. Recruit Constables are paid $74,619 a year for the first four months of the 30-week course at the Peter McAulay Centre in Berrimah, then $79,095 to graduation. The 23% Consolidated Allowance and 5% GPA aren't paid during training. New recruits can claim up to $20,000 (reimbursement only) in relocation costs.
When is the next NT Police pay rise?
The 2025 Consent Agreement gives 5%, 4%, 3% and 3% over four years from about 7 August 2025. The third step, 3%, is expected from about August 2027, and the fourth (3%, or CPI if higher) from about August 2028. Those dates are inferred from the agreement's start date because we haven't seen the agreement text.
What is the NT Police Consolidated Allowance?
It's an allowance of 23% of salary paid to operational members once they start duties at their posting after training. It rose from 20% to 23% in the 2022 agreement and NTPFES still quoted 23% in 2026. Our reading is that it compensates for shift and weekend work instead of separate penalty rates.
How much overtime do NT police get paid?
Under the 2022 Consent Agreement, overtime for Senior Sergeant and below is time and a half on weekdays, double time on weekends and double time and a half on public holidays, with a 4-hour minimum for pre-notified overtime and double time for an unplanned recall. NTPA says the 2025 agreement improved overtime, but we haven't seen the new terms.
Why are some NT Police salaries marked as estimates?
The 2025 Consent Agreement's salary schedule isn't public: NTPA's copy is members-only and the government copy sits behind a bot check. NTPFES publishes 15 current pay points. We calculated the other 38 from the 2022 agreement plus the agreed rises, a method that matches every published figure to the dollar, but they're still not official.
Evidence
Sources and how we checked them
Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 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.
- NTPFES: Constable recruitment page — published 2026 base and package rates, allowances, housing
- NTPFES: Accelerated Recruitment Program — published Constable 3 to Constable 1/C 10 rates
- NTPFES: Aboriginal Community Police Officer — ACPO pay
- NTPFES: Police Public Safety Officers — PPSO pay and housing
- Northern Territory Police Force Consent Agreement 2022 (NTPA copy) — 2024 salary table, allowances, overtime, leave; scanned PDF
- NTPA: President's address to the 2026 Annual Conference — 2025 agreement outcomes, payroll issues
- Inside State Government: Record pay deal for NT Police — vote result and increases
- OCPE: NTPF fact sheet, current offer (search snippet only) — start date and retention payment, unconfirmed
- Police Administration Act 1978 (NT) — probation and promotion
- ATO: Tax rates for Australian residents — 2026-27 rates used in the take-home examples
Related guides
Pay
More in this series
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.