Police Ranks in Australia 2026: Pay and Promotion

Ranks, lowest to highest: Probationary Constable → Constable (Levels 2-5) → Senior Constable (Levels 1-5) → Leading Senior Constable (legacy preserved rate only, not a rank in the new scales) → Sergeant (Levels 1-5) → Senior Sergeant (Levels 1-3) → Inspector (Levels 1-7) → Superintendent (Levels 1-8) → Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner (executive, not in the award)
Rungs: 9

Ranks, lowest to highest: Recruit → Constable (Probationary Constable on swearing in) → First Constable → Senior Constable → Leading Senior Constable → Sergeant → Senior Sergeant → Inspector → Superintendent → Commander → Protective Services Officer stream: PSO, PSO 1st Class, PSO Senior, PSO Sergeant, PSO Senior Sergeant → Police Reservist
Rungs: 12

Ranks, lowest to highest: Constable (pay points 1.1-1.6) → Senior Constable (2.1-2.10; 2.10 deemed Leading Senior Constable once LCP/MDP-qualified) → Sergeant (3.1-3.7) → Senior Sergeant (4.1-4.7) → Inspector (1-7) → Chief Inspector (Inspector 7) → Superintendent (1-5) → Chief Superintendent (1-3) → Assistant Commissioner and above (executive officers, outside the agreement)
Rungs: 9

Ranks, lowest to highest: Recruit-in-Training → Constable (Probationary Constable in years 1-2) → First Class Constable → Senior Constable → Sergeant (base, OIC and grandfathered Category A/B/C scales) → Senior Sergeant (base and Schedule H OIC scales) → Inspector → Superintendent → Commander → Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer stream: APLO, First Class APLO, Senior APLO
Rungs: 10

Ranks, lowest to highest: Cadet → Probationary Constable → Constable → Senior Constable → Senior Constable 1st Class → Brevet Sergeant (allowance) → Sergeant → Senior Sergeant → Senior Sergeant 1st Class (allowance) → Inspector → Chief Inspector → Superintendent → Chief Superintendent → Commander
Rungs: 14

Ranks, lowest to highest: Constable → Sergeant → Inspector → Commander → Assistant Commissioner → Deputy Commissioner → Commissioner
Rungs: 7

Ranks, lowest to highest: Recruit Constable → Constable → Constable First Class → Senior Constable → Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank) → Sergeant → Senior Sergeant → Superintendent → Aboriginal Community Police Officer (separate stream) → Police Auxiliary (JESCC, separate stream) → Police Public Safety Officer (separate stream)
Rungs: 11

Ranks, lowest to highest: Police recruit (Band 2.3) / PSO recruit (Band 2.1) → Constable broadband (Bands 2-5), police and, from 1 Jul 2025, PSO → Team Leader / Sergeant broadband (Bands 6-7), police and, from 1 Jul 2025, PSO → Band 8 → Technical Specialist Levels 1-4 (not a sworn rank structure) → Executive Level (EL Minimum to EL Maximum) → Senior Executive Service (outside the EA)
Rungs: 7

Force	Ranks, lowest to highest	Rungs
NSW Police	Probationary Constable → Constable (Levels 2-5) → Senior Constable (Levels 1-5) → Leading Senior Constable (legacy preserved rate only, not a rank in the new scales) → Sergeant (Levels 1-5) → Senior Sergeant (Levels 1-3) → Inspector (Levels 1-7) → Superintendent (Levels 1-8) → Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner (executive, not in the award)	9
Victoria Police	Recruit → Constable (Probationary Constable on swearing in) → First Constable → Senior Constable → Leading Senior Constable → Sergeant → Senior Sergeant → Inspector → Superintendent → Commander → Protective Services Officer stream: PSO, PSO 1st Class, PSO Senior, PSO Sergeant, PSO Senior Sergeant → Police Reservist	12
QPS	Constable (pay points 1.1-1.6) → Senior Constable (2.1-2.10; 2.10 deemed Leading Senior Constable once LCP/MDP-qualified) → Sergeant (3.1-3.7) → Senior Sergeant (4.1-4.7) → Inspector (1-7) → Chief Inspector (Inspector 7) → Superintendent (1-5) → Chief Superintendent (1-3) → Assistant Commissioner and above (executive officers, outside the agreement)	9
WA Police	Recruit-in-Training → Constable (Probationary Constable in years 1-2) → First Class Constable → Senior Constable → Sergeant (base, OIC and grandfathered Category A/B/C scales) → Senior Sergeant (base and Schedule H OIC scales) → Inspector → Superintendent → Commander → Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer stream: APLO, First Class APLO, Senior APLO	10
SAPOL	Cadet → Probationary Constable → Constable → Senior Constable → Senior Constable 1st Class → Brevet Sergeant (allowance) → Sergeant → Senior Sergeant → Senior Sergeant 1st Class (allowance) → Inspector → Chief Inspector → Superintendent → Chief Superintendent → Commander	14
Tasmania Police	Constable → Sergeant → Inspector → Commander → Assistant Commissioner → Deputy Commissioner → Commissioner	7
NT Police	Recruit Constable → Constable → Constable First Class → Senior Constable → Senior Constable First Class (preserved rank) → Sergeant → Senior Sergeant → Superintendent → Aboriginal Community Police Officer (separate stream) → Police Auxiliary (JESCC, separate stream) → Police Public Safety Officer (separate stream)	11
AFP	Police recruit (Band 2.3) / PSO recruit (Band 2.1) → Constable broadband (Bands 2-5), police and, from 1 Jul 2025, PSO → Team Leader / Sergeant broadband (Bands 6-7), police and, from 1 Jul 2025, PSO → Band 8 → Technical Specialist Levels 1-4 (not a sworn rank structure) → Executive Level (EL Minimum to EL Maximum) → Senior Executive Service (outside the EA)	7

Taken from each force's data file, which follows the current award or agreement. Separate streams (PSOs, Aboriginal community police, auxiliaries) are listed where the force includes them. Executive ranks outside the agreements are listed where the instrument names them.

Three things stand out. Tasmania has the flattest structure: one long Constable scale, then Sergeant, Inspector and Commander. South Australia has the most rungs, with Senior Constable 1st Class, Chief Inspector and Chief Superintendent all paid separately. And the AFP doesn't really have ranks in its pay instrument at all: it has broadbands, which changes how promotion works.

Why we don't show insignia

Rank insignia (chevrons, pips and crowns) are set by each force's dress and uniform regulations. We couldn't verify them from an official source for all eight forces, so we haven't described them here rather than risk getting them wrong. Your force's dress manual is the reference.

What each rank pays: NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA

Pay ranges from the lowest to the highest pay point of each rank, from the pay table in force today.

Each table reads the current pay table from the force's data file, so the ranges update the day a new rate takes effect. NSW figures for Probationary Constable to Senior Sergeant include the 11.5% loading because it's paid as salary; Victoria's include the 13% commuted penalty already inside the salary. Queensland's are base salary before the 21% Operational Shift Allowance, taken from QPS's official CPI Uplift Adjustment (CUA) schedule, which replaced the agreement's printed rates.

NSW Police: pay by rank, From 1 July 2026 (NCOs 5%, Inspectors 3.5%, Superintendents 3%). General duties, Detectives, Police Prosecutors and commissioned officers.

Probationary Constable

Pay range: $92,576
Pay points: 1

Constable

Pay range: $96,071 – $104,802
Pay points: 4

Senior Constable

Pay range: $115,290 – $139,688
Pay points: 5

Sergeant

Pay range: $143,230 – $157,203
Pay points: 5

Senior Sergeant

Pay range: $160,692 – $165,804
Pay points: 3

Inspector

Pay range: $178,719 – $215,291
Pay points: 7

Superintendent

Pay range: $229,446 – $261,813
Pay points: 8

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Probationary Constable	$92,576	1
Constable	$96,071 – $104,802	4
Senior Constable	$115,290 – $139,688	5
Sergeant	$143,230 – $157,203	5
Senior Sergeant	$160,692 – $165,804	3
Inspector	$178,719 – $215,291	7
Superintendent	$229,446 – $261,813	8

Effective 1 July 2026. Detectives', prosecutors', OIC and other separate scales are on the force's salary page.

Victoria Police: pay by rank, From 1 June 2026 (3.0%)

Constable

Pay range: $84,060 – $87,229
Pay points: 2

First Constable

Pay range: $90,399 – $93,568
Pay points: 2

Senior Constable

Pay range: $102,648 – $118,945
Pay points: 8

Leading Senior Constable

Pay range: $120,135 – $126,007
Pay points: 4

Sergeant

Pay range: $137,812 – $149,358
Pay points: 6

Senior Sergeant

Pay range: $155,601 – $164,913
Pay points: 6

Inspector

Pay range: $170,644 – $189,475
Pay points: 6

Superintendent

Pay range: $192,833 – $226,218
Pay points: 8

Commander

Pay range: $230,742 – $245,187
Pay points: 4

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Constable	$84,060 – $87,229	2
First Constable	$90,399 – $93,568	2
Senior Constable	$102,648 – $118,945	8
Leading Senior Constable	$120,135 – $126,007	4
Sergeant	$137,812 – $149,358	6
Senior Sergeant	$155,601 – $164,913	6
Inspector	$170,644 – $189,475	6
Superintendent	$192,833 – $226,218	8
Commander	$230,742 – $245,187	4

Effective 1 June 2026. Detectives', prosecutors', OIC and other separate scales are on the force's salary page.

QPS: pay by rank, Current rates from 1 Jul 2026 (official QPS CUA schedule)

Constable

Pay range: $78,505 – $96,528
Pay points: 6

Senior Constable

Pay range: $96,528 – $118,127
Pay points: 10

Sergeant

Pay range: $118,127 – $133,671
Pay points: 7

Senior Sergeant

Pay range: $135,281 – $150,175
Pay points: 7

Inspector (incl. Chief Inspector)

Pay range: $179,870 – $195,991
Pay points: 7

Superintendent

Pay range: $199,852 – $213,721
Pay points: 5

Chief Superintendent

Pay range: $216,810 – $226,442
Pay points: 3

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Constable	$78,505 – $96,528	6
Senior Constable	$96,528 – $118,127	10
Sergeant	$118,127 – $133,671	7
Senior Sergeant	$135,281 – $150,175	7
Inspector (incl. Chief Inspector)	$179,870 – $195,991	7
Superintendent	$199,852 – $213,721	5
Chief Superintendent	$216,810 – $226,442	3

Effective 1 July 2026. Detectives', prosecutors', OIC and other separate scales are on the force's salary page.

WA Police: pay by rank, From 1 July 2026 (+3.75%, 2024 Agreement; final scheduled increase)

Constable

Pay range: $94,651 – $102,263
Pay points: 5

First Class Constable

Pay range: $107,977 – $109,553
Pay points: 2

Senior Constable

Pay range: $115,722 – $124,558
Pay points: 6

Sergeant (base scale)

Pay range: $127,619 – $135,005
Pay points: 5

Senior Sergeant (base scale)

Pay range: $142,174 – $151,652
Pay points: 5

Inspector

Pay range: $173,361 – $185,897
Pay points: 4

Superintendent

Pay range: $195,250 – $207,787
Pay points: 4

Commander

Pay range: $217,588 – $230,124
Pay points: 4

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Constable	$94,651 – $102,263	5
First Class Constable	$107,977 – $109,553	2
Senior Constable	$115,722 – $124,558	6
Sergeant (base scale)	$127,619 – $135,005	5
Senior Sergeant (base scale)	$142,174 – $151,652	5
Inspector	$173,361 – $185,897	4
Superintendent	$195,250 – $207,787	4
Commander	$217,588 – $230,124	4

Effective 1 July 2026. Detectives', prosecutors', OIC and other separate scales are on the force's salary page.

The full scales, including detectives, prosecutors and officer-in-charge rates, are on the NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA salary pages.

What each rank pays: SA, Tasmania, NT and the AFP

South Australia publishes only the lowest and highest increment of each rank, so its ranges are exactly what SAPOL publishes and we don't fill the gaps. Most Northern Territory rates above Constable First Class are estimated by us from the 2022 agreement plus the agreed 2025 increases, because the 2025 salary schedule hasn't been published. AFP figures are base salary before the 22% Core Composite.

SAPOL: pay by rank, From the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2026 (SAPOL published range: lowest and highest increment of each rank only)

Probationary Constable

Pay range: $83,398
Pay points: 1

Constable

Pay range: $86,125 – $102,491
Pay points: 2

Senior Constable

Pay range: $102,990 – $117,542
Pay points: 2

Senior Constable 1st Class

Pay range: $105,901 – $120,453
Pay points: 2

Sergeant

Pay range: $122,740 – $135,363
Pay points: 2

Senior Sergeant

Pay range: $140,121 – $149,806
Pay points: 2

Inspector

Pay range: $168,670 – $187,683
Pay points: 2

Chief Inspector

Pay range: $186,091
Pay points: 1

Superintendent

Pay range: $194,139 – $211,175
Pay points: 2

Chief Superintendent

Pay range: $219,220
Pay points: 1

Commander

Pay range: $226,534
Pay points: 1

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Probationary Constable	$83,398	1
Constable	$86,125 – $102,491	2
Senior Constable	$102,990 – $117,542	2
Senior Constable 1st Class	$105,901 – $120,453	2
Sergeant	$122,740 – $135,363	2
Senior Sergeant	$140,121 – $149,806	2
Inspector	$168,670 – $187,683	2
Chief Inspector	$186,091	1
Superintendent	$194,139 – $211,175	2
Chief Superintendent	$219,220	1
Commander	$226,534	1

Effective 1 January 2026. 'calc' marks figures calculated by us.

Tasmania Police: pay by rank, From first full pay period on or after 1 Dec 2025 (+3%)

Constable (incl. Senior Constable titles)

Pay range: $73,518 – $107,420
Pay points: 14

Sergeant

Pay range: $108,929 – $125,625
Pay points: 7

Inspector

Pay range: $170,026 – $181,869
Pay points: 5

Commander

Pay range: $188,217
Pay points: 1

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Constable (incl. Senior Constable titles)	$73,518 – $107,420	14
Sergeant	$108,929 – $125,625	7
Inspector	$170,026 – $181,869	5
Commander	$188,217	1

Effective 1 December 2025. 'calc' marks figures calculated by us.

NT Police: pay by rank, 2025 Consent Agreement year 2 (+4%), from about Aug 2026 (date inferred). Verified points are NTPFES-published rates; the rest are estimated by us

Constable

Pay range: $87,005 – $92,330 ^calc
Pay points: 4

Constable First Class

Pay range: $94,175 – $103,977
Pay points: 6

Senior Constable

Pay range: $109,176 – $120,539 ^calc
Pay points: 6

Sergeant

Pay range: $130,457 – $139,008 ^calc
Pay points: 5

Senior Sergeant

Pay range: $143,876 – $151,337 ^calc
Pay points: 4

Superintendent

Pay range: $205,892 – $215,052 ^calc
Pay points: 3

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Constable	$87,005 – $92,330 ^calc	4
Constable First Class	$94,175 – $103,977	6
Senior Constable	$109,176 – $120,539 ^calc	6
Sergeant	$130,457 – $139,008 ^calc	5
Senior Sergeant	$143,876 – $151,337 ^calc	4
Superintendent	$205,892 – $215,052 ^calc	3

Effective 7 August 2026. 'calc' marks figures calculated by us.

AFP: pay by rank, From 9 Dec 2025 (4.0% increase; current)

Band 2 (Constable broadband)

Pay range: $64,754 – $75,233
Pay points: 5

Band 3 (Constable broadband)

Pay range: $75,233 – $87,836
Pay points: 5

Band 4 (Constable broadband)

Pay range: $87,836 – $103,256
Pay points: 5

Band 5 (Constable broadband)

Pay range: $103,256 – $111,861
Pay points: 3

Band 6 (Team Leader / Sergeant)

Pay range: $111,861 – $123,420
Pay points: 3

Band 7 (Team Leader / Sergeant)

Pay range: $123,420 – $132,185
Pay points: 3

Band 8

Pay range: $132,185 – $143,883
Pay points: 3

Rank	Pay range	Pay points
Band 2 (Constable broadband)	$64,754 – $75,233	5
Band 3 (Constable broadband)	$75,233 – $87,836	5
Band 4 (Constable broadband)	$87,836 – $103,256	5
Band 5 (Constable broadband)	$103,256 – $111,861	3
Band 6 (Team Leader / Sergeant)	$111,861 – $123,420	3
Band 7 (Team Leader / Sergeant)	$123,420 – $132,185	3
Band 8	$132,185 – $143,883	3

Effective 9 December 2025. 'calc' marks figures calculated by us.

Tasmania's Constable scale runs from $73,518 at Level 1 to $107,420 at Level 13(ii), which is why it looks so wide. "Senior Constable" in Tasmania is a gazetted title that gives an accelerated increment within that one scale, not a separate pay band. See the SA, Tasmania, NT and AFP salary pages for every point.

Headline pay at the key ranks, every force

If you only want the comparison points people search for, this is the table: first-year constable, top senior constable, top sergeant and inspector entry. Use it carefully. The bases differ, and the forces that look lowest on paper often pay large percentage loadings or composites on top.

Headline pay at the main promotion points, current rates

NSW Police (this page)

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%

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 (this page)	$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	$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.

Two forces can look $20,000 apart at sergeant and pay almost the same once the roster allowance is added. Always check what the figure includes.

The national police salary comparison explains each force's basis in detail, and the pay comparison calculator puts your own rank and service side by side with every other force.

What promotion to sergeant is actually worth

The gap between the top of the senior constable scale and the first sergeant pay point, computed from each force's current table.

Most officers who go for sergeant are already at or near the top of the constable ranks, so the honest comparison is top senior constable against the first sergeant point. Where the agreement says which point you start on, we use it. Otherwise we compare the two scales and say so.

The sergeant step in each force

From: Senior Constable Level 5: $139,688
To: Sergeant Level 1: $143,230
Difference a year: +$3,542 (2.5%)
Rule used: Scale comparison, both incl. the 11.5% loading. The level a newly promoted sergeant starts on is not confirmed.

From: Senior Constable point 12: $118,945
To: Sergeant point 1: $137,812
Difference a year: +$18,867 (15.9%)
Rule used: EA: promotion starts at progression point 1 of the new rank.

From: Senior Constable 2.10: $118,127
To: Sergeant 3.2: $119,938
Difference a year: +$1,811 (1.5%)
Rule used: Agreement cl 12.4(a): an SC 2.10 promoted to Sergeant starts at 3.2.

From: Senior Constable Increment V: $124,558
To: Sergeant base rate: $127,619
Difference a year: +$3,061 (2.5%)
Rule used: Scale comparison on the base Sergeant scale; OIC scales pay more.

From: Senior Constable 1st Class (top): $120,453
To: Sergeant Increment 1: $122,740
Difference a year: +$2,287 (1.9%)
Rule used: Scale comparison; SAPOL publishes only the lowest and highest increment.

From: Constable Level 13(ii): $107,420
To: Sergeant Level 1: $108,929
Difference a year: +$1,509 (1.4%)
Rule used: Award: sergeants start at Level 1 (Level 2 with an approved tertiary qualification).

From: Senior Constable 6: $120,539
To: Sergeant 1: $130,457
Difference a year: +$9,918 (8.2%) ^calc
Rule used: Scale comparison; both figures estimated by us from the 2022 agreement plus agreed rises.

From: Band 5.3: $111,861
To: Band 6.1: $111,861
Difference a year: +$0 (0%)
Rule used: EA: Band 6.1 entry is by merit selection. Band-to-rank mapping is ours.

Force	From	To	Difference a year	Rule used
NSW Police	Senior Constable Level 5: $139,688	Sergeant Level 1: $143,230	+$3,542 (2.5%)	Scale comparison, both incl. the 11.5% loading. The level a newly promoted sergeant starts on is not confirmed.
Victoria Police	Senior Constable point 12: $118,945	Sergeant point 1: $137,812	+$18,867 (15.9%)	EA: promotion starts at progression point 1 of the new rank.
QPS	Senior Constable 2.10: $118,127	Sergeant 3.2: $119,938	+$1,811 (1.5%)	Agreement cl 12.4(a): an SC 2.10 promoted to Sergeant starts at 3.2.
WA Police	Senior Constable Increment V: $124,558	Sergeant base rate: $127,619	+$3,061 (2.5%)	Scale comparison on the base Sergeant scale; OIC scales pay more.
SAPOL	Senior Constable 1st Class (top): $120,453	Sergeant Increment 1: $122,740	+$2,287 (1.9%)	Scale comparison; SAPOL publishes only the lowest and highest increment.
Tasmania Police	Constable Level 13(ii): $107,420	Sergeant Level 1: $108,929	+$1,509 (1.4%)	Award: sergeants start at Level 1 (Level 2 with an approved tertiary qualification).
NT Police	Senior Constable 6: $120,539	Sergeant 1: $130,457	+$9,918 (8.2%) ^calc	Scale comparison; both figures estimated by us from the 2022 agreement plus agreed rises.
AFP	Band 5.3: $111,861	Band 6.1: $111,861	+$0 (0%)	EA: Band 6.1 entry is by merit selection. Band-to-rank mapping is ours.

Base salary except NSW (incl. 11.5% loading). 'calc' marks figures calculated by us. Shift loadings, composites and overtime are not included and can differ between ranks.

Annual value of the first sergeant step

Top senior constable to first sergeant pay point, current tables.

Victoria Police $18,867
NT Police $9,918 ^calc
NSW Police $3,542
WA Police $3,061
SAPOL $2,287
QPS $1,811
Tasmania Police $1,509
AFP $0

Victoria Police has the largest step, $18,867 a year, worth about $486 a fortnight after 2026-27 tax. Tasmania Police has the smallest of the forces with a separate sergeant scale: $1,509 a year, about $39 a fortnight after tax. In Queensland the senior constable scale itself is long, adding $21,599 between 2.1 and 2.10, so much of the "promotion money" has already been earned by the time you're eligible.

The AFP is the odd one out. Band 5.3 and Band 6.1 are the same salary, so moving into the Team Leader/Sergeant broadband pays nothing extra on day one; the gain comes at the next increment ($5,781 a year to 6.2) and from Band 7 beyond the firm barrier.

Work out your own number

The figures above are salary only. Your real gain depends on whether you keep shift allowances, how much overtime you'd lose or gain, and your tax bracket. Put both rates through the take-home pay calculator before you decide.

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Pick your force, compare your current pay point with the sergeant point, and add your roster and overtime. Free, no sign-up.

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The jump to inspector: the biggest step in most careers

Commissioning is where pay structures change most. In several forces the inspector salary absorbs payment for extra hours and weekend work, and NSW inspectors lose the 11.5% loading. So the headline jump looks bigger than the real change in what you take home.

Senior sergeant (or sergeant) to inspector

From: Senior Sergeant Level 3 (incl. loading): $165,804
To: Inspector Level 1 (no loading): $178,719
Difference a year: +$12,915 (7.8%)
What changes: Inspectors get no 11.5% loading.

From: Senior Sergeant point 6: $164,913
To: Inspector point 1: $170,644
Difference a year: +$5,731 (3.5%)
What changes: Officer rates include a 16.4% component instead of 13%.

From: Senior Sergeant 4.7: $150,175
To: Inspector 1: $179,870
Difference a year: +$29,695 (19.8%)
What changes: Scale comparison.

From: Senior Sergeant (base, top): $151,652
To: Inspector base rate: $173,361
Difference a year: +$21,709 (14.3%)
What changes: Commissioned salaries include an allowance for hours beyond 40 and weekends.

From: Senior Sergeant (top): $149,806
To: Inspector Increment 1: $168,670
Difference a year: +$18,864 (12.6%)
What changes: Scale comparison.

From: Sergeant Level 6(ii): $125,625
To: Inspector Level 1: $170,026
Difference a year: +$44,401 (35.3%)
What changes: Tasmania has no Senior Sergeant rank.

Force	From	To	Difference a year	What changes
NSW Police	Senior Sergeant Level 3 (incl. loading): $165,804	Inspector Level 1 (no loading): $178,719	+$12,915 (7.8%)	Inspectors get no 11.5% loading.
Victoria Police	Senior Sergeant point 6: $164,913	Inspector point 1: $170,644	+$5,731 (3.5%)	Officer rates include a 16.4% component instead of 13%.
QPS	Senior Sergeant 4.7: $150,175	Inspector 1: $179,870	+$29,695 (19.8%)	Scale comparison.
WA Police	Senior Sergeant (base, top): $151,652	Inspector base rate: $173,361	+$21,709 (14.3%)	Commissioned salaries include an allowance for hours beyond 40 and weekends.
SAPOL	Senior Sergeant (top): $149,806	Inspector Increment 1: $168,670	+$18,864 (12.6%)	Scale comparison.
Tasmania Police	Sergeant Level 6(ii): $125,625	Inspector Level 1: $170,026	+$44,401 (35.3%)	Tasmania has no Senior Sergeant rank.

NT has no Inspector rank in the tables we read, and the AFP's agreement has no inspector-equivalent band, so neither is shown.

Biggest inspector step

$44,401

Tasmania Police, a year

WA commissioned salary

Inclusive

covers hours beyond 40 and weekends

Victoria officer rate

16.4%

component built in, up from 13%

Before you weigh up commissioning, read what your force's inspector salary is meant to cover. In WA the agreement says commissioned salaries already include an allowance for work beyond 40 hours a week and for weekends and public holidays. In Victoria the officer rates carry a 16.4% component that also covers work beyond 8 hours and recall. In practice that means the overtime you might have relied on as a senior sergeant largely disappears.

Increments vs promotion: how far you go without promoting

A lot of officers never sit a promotion exam, and they still get substantial pay rises through increments. The table shows the growth from first-year constable to the top of the senior constable scale on each force's headline figures, which is the money available without competing for a sergeant position.

Pay growth without promotion

First-year constable: $92,576
Top senior constable: $139,688
Growth: +50.9%
Top sergeant: $157,203

First-year constable: $84,060
Top senior constable: $118,945
Growth: +41.5%
Top sergeant: $149,358

First-year constable: $78,505
Top senior constable: $118,127
Growth: +50.5%
Top sergeant: $133,671

First-year constable: $94,651
Top senior constable: $124,558
Growth: +31.6%
Top sergeant: $135,005

First-year constable: $83,398
Top senior constable: $117,542
Growth: +40.9%
Top sergeant: $135,363

First-year constable: $73,518
Top senior constable: $107,420
Growth: +46.1%
Top sergeant: $125,625

First-year constable: $87,005
Top senior constable: $120,539 ^calc
Growth: +38.5%
Top sergeant: $139,008 ^calc

First-year constable: $72,317
Top senior constable: $111,861 ^calc
Growth: +54.7%
Top sergeant: $132,185 ^calc

Force	First-year constable	Top senior constable	Growth	Top sergeant
NSW Police	$92,576	$139,688	+50.9%	$157,203
Victoria Police	$84,060	$118,945	+41.5%	$149,358
QPS	$78,505	$118,127	+50.5%	$133,671
WA Police	$94,651	$124,558	+31.6%	$135,005
SAPOL	$83,398	$117,542	+40.9%	$135,363
Tasmania Police	$73,518	$107,420	+46.1%	$125,625
NT Police	$87,005	$120,539 ^calc	+38.5%	$139,008 ^calc
AFP	$72,317	$111,861 ^calc	+54.7%	$132,185 ^calc

Headline figures from each force's data file. NSW includes the 11.5% loading; AFP figures are our mapping of Band 2.4 and Band 5.3; NT senior figures are calculated by us.

AFP has the most growth inside the constable ranks (+54.7%) and WA Police the least (+31.6%). In WA, where the first-year rate is the highest in the country, the senior constable top is reached through time-based steps with study and assessment requirements, so the spread is narrower. NSW's 2024 award compressed the constable scales so the top of Senior Constable is reached in about 9 to 10 years rather than 15 to 16.

Staying in the constable ranks

✓Increments arrive with service and requirements, not competition
✓Specialist roles (detectives, highway patrol, prosecutors) often carry their own scales or allowances
✓You keep your roster loadings and overtime on a familiar pattern

Going for sergeant

✕Pay stops at the top of the scale apart from general rises
✕Some forces cap senior constable progression behind qualifications
✕Leadership roles, and the jump to inspector later, need sergeant first

How promotion works in each force

Summaries of each force's agreement, Act or official page, with how sure we are about each.

Promotion processes by force

Promotion and progression: Since the Police Amendment (Promotions) Act 2020, promotion to Sergeant, Inspector and Superintendent is by merit selection for individual advertised positions, replacing the old promotion lists. You need at least 2 years at the rank below and integrity clearance, then a rank-based assessment (Stage A, including the TOKA knowledge test, 80% pass mark per PANSW) valid for 2 years, then a written application and interview for a position (Stage B). Reviews must be requested within 48 hours of the result.
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page

Promotion and progression: Constable to Senior Constable is in situ after 4 years' service plus Victoria Police Education Program components and satisfactory performance (cl 74.5); First Constable is increments 3-4 of Level 1 (on Diploma completion, per the official site). Increments are annual on anniversary for Constables, all initial appointments and promotions; Sergeants and above (and PSO Sergeants and above) are assessed annually against up to 2 objectives; Officers progress on 1 July after 6 months at a point; Leading Senior Constable (points 13-16) needs 12 months at Senior Constable 12 plus skills, mentoring and OSTT (cl 74). Promotion to Sergeant and above is by merit-based selection for advertised positions (Gazette), starting at progression point 1 of the new rank, with appeals to the Police Registration and Services Board (maximum 4 appeals per financial year). PSOs are promoted in situ to PSO Senior after 4 years plus education and performance (cl 74.6). Specialist pay in the agreement: Detectives (COT 2), covert/SOG/surveillance (Disturbance Allowance), Air Wing (Flying Operations), Tactical Flight Officers (Sch G), Dog Handlers (cl 193), Fingerprint Sciences/Crime Scene (cl 190-191), Collision Reconstruction (cl 194), Legal Services (Sch H).
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page

Promotion and progression: Within a rank, officers move up a pay point after at least 12 months on each point plus satisfactory DAP and compulsory training (cl 12). Constable 1.1 to 1.2 needs the First Year Constable Program; Constables with 12 months on 1.5 move to Senior Constable 2.1 if they meet training, performance-report, vetting, driver-licence and OST requirements (a Constable Capability Program will become compulsory during the agreement). Promotion to Sergeant and above is by open merit (PSAA s 5.2); the qualification for Sergeant is the LCP or MDP equivalent (cl 12.3(b)). An SC 2.10 promoted to Sergeant starts at 3.2 (cl 12.4(a)). Designated Senior Constable positions (OIC of 1- and 2-officer stations, beats, CPIU/CIB OICs) are filled on merit.
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page

Promotion and progression: First Class Constable after 5 years (with all studies and assessments complete); Senior Constable after a further 4 years (9 years in total), also with studies and assessments; Sergeant and above by merit selection. Increments within a rank are every 2 years (cl 10.2(a)). Commanders, Superintendents and Inspectors are recommended for permanent appointment after 3 years' substantive satisfactory service (cl 10.4). Details of the promotion exam system were not verified.
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page

Promotion and progression: Constable to Senior Constable is 'in situ' 5 years after permanent appointment, subject to qualifying for the rank; Senior Constables then progress by years of service to Increment 6 (EA cl 10.2-10.3). Senior Constable First Class is by merit selection, or by completing the Sergeant Qualification Program and 12 months on Senior Constable Increment 4 (cl 10.8). Sergeant and above is by merit-based selection with study, exam and training prerequisites. Senior Sergeant First Class is by merit or after 10 years as Senior Sergeant (cl 11.1). Detectives must complete the IITC and Detective Training Course, then a workbook within 3 years.
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page

Promotion and progression: Promotion is merit-based. Non-commissioned officers apply once qualified through the required examinations and assessments; the Commissioner promotes below Inspector and Inspector promotions are recommended to the Minister, using Promotion Selection Committees (3+ members) and a Qualification and Accreditation Committee. Qualification programs (PQAP, Sergeant and Inspector Professional Development Programs) are integrated with UTAS study, and a Sergeant position is open to a member who has completed the Sergeant qualifying exam and course. Pay progression: Constables start at Level 1 after the trainee course, reach Level 2 after 12 months subject to probation and a satisfactory assessment, then Levels 3-12 on anniversaries (Level 3 after probation with an approved Bachelor degree gained by independent study before appointment). Level 13(i) needs 12 months on Level 12 and either the Sergeant Professional Development Program or an approved tertiary qualification; 13(ii) needs both. Sergeants start at Level 1 (Level 2 with an approved tertiary qualification), with annual increments; Levels 6(i)/6(ii) need the Inspector Professional Development Program and/or a tertiary qualification. Inspector Level 4(ii) needs 12 months on 4(i) plus an AQF8+ qualification by independent study.
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page

Promotion and progression: Appointments and promotions are on merit: capacity to perform the rank's duties having regard to knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, aptitude, diligence, conduct, quality of service and potential (Police Administration Act s.15A). The Commissioner promotes a qualified member to the next rank up, but not to Assistant Commissioner or above under s.16. Constables are promoted to Senior Constable as soon as they qualify (not competitive); other ranks need qualification plus superior merit for the position (Police Administration Regulations regs 7 and 9; currency of that version not confirmed). Qualifications are set by the Commissioner and published in the Police Gazette (reg 6; the current determination was not found). Promotions to Senior Sergeant and below can be appealed to a Promotions Appeal Board within 14 days (s.92). Constable First Class needs 4 completed years' service plus current OSTT (Defensive Tactics, Glock, Senior First Aid) and the mandatory College online assessments; Senior Constable First Class is a preserved rank kept only by members gazetted before CA 2022 was certified. Higher duties can count toward increments and promotion recognition at one substantive rank (CA 2022 cl.16).
How sure we are: From the agreement, Act or official page