How the quiz works, and what it can't do
The quiz asks seven questions: where you want to live, how much starting pay matters, how much you care about super, whether you'd serve remotely, your current beep test level, whether you want national or international policing, and whether you're already a police officer overseas. Each force starts on the same score and gains or loses points for each answer.
A specific state or territory
- How it moves the score
- That force gains a lot; every other force loses some. Canberra/ACT points to the AFP
Pay matters a lot
- How it moves the score
- Forces with higher published first-year pay gain more
Super matters a lot
- How it moves the score
- Forces with employer super above the 12% minimum gain (Queensland 18%, AFP 15.4%)
Happy to serve remotely
- How it moves the score
- Forces with remote or regional incentives gain
Your beep level
- How it moves the score
- Forces whose minimum is more than a level above you lose points
National or international policing
- How it moves the score
- The AFP gains strongly
Already an overseas officer
- How it moves the score
- Forces with a pathway for experienced officers gain
| Your answer | How it moves the score |
|---|---|
| A specific state or territory | That force gains a lot; every other force loses some. Canberra/ACT points to the AFP |
| Pay matters a lot | Forces with higher published first-year pay gain more |
| Super matters a lot | Forces with employer super above the 12% minimum gain (Queensland 18%, AFP 15.4%) |
| Happy to serve remotely | Forces with remote or regional incentives gain |
| Your beep level | Forces whose minimum is more than a level above you lose points |
| National or international policing | The AFP gains strongly |
| Already an overseas officer | Forces with a pathway for experienced officers gain |
A known weakness: headline pay isn't like for like
The quiz ranks pay on each force's published first-year figure. Those figures include different things: NSW's includes the 11.5% loading, but Queensland's, Tasmania's and NT's are base salaries before large allowances (21% OSA in Queensland, up to 28% in Tasmania, 23% plus 5% in NT). So the quiz undervalues those three on pay. Read the pay section below before you rule anyone out.
Starting pay: compare what's actually included
- First-year figure
- $92,576
- What it includes
- Probationary Constable (Level 1) from 1 Jul 2026 including the 11.5% loading paid as salary; base $83,028.
- First-year figure
- $84,060
- What it includes
- Constable point 1 (Probationary Constable) from 1 Jun 2026: Schedule A ordinary rate, which already includes the 13% commuted penalty. Excludes the Operational Readiness, General Duties, capability, wellbeing and retention allowances.
- First-year figure
- $78,505
- What it includes
- Constable 1.1 base from 1 Jul 2026 (official QPS CUA schedule). About $94,991 with the 21% OSA. The recruiting site's $92,226 is the pre-uplift 2025 base ($76,220) plus 21% OSA.
- First-year figure
- $94,651
- What it includes
- Constable 1st year of service (Probationary Constable) from 1 Jul 2026: base salary; shift allowances are paid on top as flat dollar amounts per shift.
- First-year figure
- $83,398
- What it includes
- Probationary Constable from 1 Jan 2026: base salary plus super; shift allowances are paid on top.
- First-year figure
- $73,518
- What it includes
- Constable Level 1 base from FFPPOOA 1 Dec 2025. At a 24-hour station with the 28% shift and penalty allowance this is $94,103 a year (our calculation: $73,518 x 1.28). Some secondary sources quote $94,109; do not use that figure.
- First-year figure
- $87,005
- What it includes
- Constable 1 (graduation to end of 12 months) base as published by NTPFES; $111,366 including the 23% Consolidated Allowance and 5% GPA.
- First-year figure
- $72,317
- What it includes
- Band 2.4 base from 9 Dec 2025 for a newly sworn (probationary) constable, national or ACT. Advertised package $91,726.74 = base + 22% Core Composite + $3,500 Use of Force allowance.
| Force | First-year figure | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | $92,576 | Probationary Constable (Level 1) from 1 Jul 2026 including the 11.5% loading paid as salary; base $83,028. |
| Victoria Police | $84,060 | Constable point 1 (Probationary Constable) from 1 Jun 2026: Schedule A ordinary rate, which already includes the 13% commuted penalty. Excludes the Operational Readiness, General Duties, capability, wellbeing and retention allowances. |
| QPS | $78,505 | Constable 1.1 base from 1 Jul 2026 (official QPS CUA schedule). About $94,991 with the 21% OSA. The recruiting site's $92,226 is the pre-uplift 2025 base ($76,220) plus 21% OSA. |
| WA Police | $94,651 | Constable 1st year of service (Probationary Constable) from 1 Jul 2026: base salary; shift allowances are paid on top as flat dollar amounts per shift. |
| SAPOL | $83,398 | Probationary Constable from 1 Jan 2026: base salary plus super; shift allowances are paid on top. |
| Tasmania Police | $73,518 | Constable Level 1 base from FFPPOOA 1 Dec 2025. At a 24-hour station with the 28% shift and penalty allowance this is $94,103 a year (our calculation: $73,518 x 1.28). Some secondary sources quote $94,109; do not use that figure. |
| NT Police | $87,005 | Constable 1 (graduation to end of 12 months) base as published by NTPFES; $111,366 including the 23% Consolidated Allowance and 5% GPA. |
| AFP | $72,317 | Band 2.4 base from 9 Dec 2025 for a newly sworn (probationary) constable, national or ACT. Advertised package $91,726.74 = base + 22% Core Composite + $3,500 Use of Force allowance. |
From each force's data file. 'calc' = calculated by us from the agreement rule. Figures are in force as at 9 October 2026.
Look at the last column. NT's $87,005 base becomes about $111,366 with its consolidated and general policing allowances. Queensland's base becomes about $94,991 with the 21% Operational Shift Allowance. Tasmania's becomes $94,103 at a 24-hour station with the 28% allowance (our calculation). The AFP advertises a $91,726.74 package including its 22% composite and use-of-force allowance.
See take-home pay for any force
Pick a force and pay point, add your roster and overtime, and see what lands in your account after 2026-27 tax.
Super: the difference you'll feel in 30 years
NSW Police
- Employer super
- 12%
- Notes
- 12% employer contribution for officers in accumulation super (reported; the pre-1988 and SASS schemes differ). Officers also pay 1.8% of salary towards the death and disability scheme.
Victoria Police
- Employer super
- See note
- Notes
- Police and PSOs are in the ESSS Police Superannuation defined benefit scheme, so the benefit depends on years of service and salary rather than a % contribution.
QPS
- Employer super
- 18%
- Notes
- Queensland police receive 18% employer super with no compulsory member contribution.
WA Police
- Employer super
- 12%
- Notes
- WA Police contributes 12% (the Superannuation Guarantee), and shift loadings attract super. GESB is the default fund unless you choose another.
SAPOL
- Employer super
- See note
- Notes
- SA officers receive at least the 12% Superannuation Guarantee through Super SA; older members may be in the closed Police Superannuation Scheme.
Tasmania Police
- Employer super
- 12%
- Notes
- Tasmania pays the 12% Superannuation Guarantee into your chosen fund; the default fund is CareSuper (Tasmanian Treasury, April 2026). The old state defined benefit scheme closed in 1999.
NT Police
- Employer super
- See note
- Notes
- NT officers receive at least the 12% Superannuation Guarantee; super for new recruits isn't confirmed.
AFP
- Employer super
- 15.4%
- Notes
- AFP employees receive 15.4% employer super (PSSap or their chosen fund).
| Force | Employer super | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | 12% | 12% employer contribution for officers in accumulation super (reported; the pre-1988 and SASS schemes differ). Officers also pay 1.8% of salary towards the death and disability scheme. |
| Victoria Police | See note | Police and PSOs are in the ESSS Police Superannuation defined benefit scheme, so the benefit depends on years of service and salary rather than a % contribution. |
| QPS | 18% | Queensland police receive 18% employer super with no compulsory member contribution. |
| WA Police | 12% | WA Police contributes 12% (the Superannuation Guarantee), and shift loadings attract super. GESB is the default fund unless you choose another. |
| SAPOL | See note | SA officers receive at least the 12% Superannuation Guarantee through Super SA; older members may be in the closed Police Superannuation Scheme. |
| Tasmania Police | 12% | Tasmania pays the 12% Superannuation Guarantee into your chosen fund; the default fund is CareSuper (Tasmanian Treasury, April 2026). The old state defined benefit scheme closed in 1999. |
| NT Police | See note | NT officers receive at least the 12% Superannuation Guarantee; super for new recruits isn't confirmed. |
| AFP | 15.4% | AFP employees receive 15.4% employer super (PSSap or their chosen fund). |
On a $95,000 salary, the gap between 12% and 18% super is $5,700 a year going into your fund, before any investment returns. Over a career that compounds into a large difference. Victoria is different again: operational police are in a defined benefit scheme where the benefit depends on years of service and salary rather than a contribution rate.
Queensland
18%
no compulsory member contribution
AFP
15.4%
PSSap or chosen fund
Most others
12%
Superannuation Guarantee
Location: where you'll live and work
Where you want to live is usually the deciding factor, and it should be. You'll train where the academy is, then be posted where the force needs you. In NT, postings are set by organisational need and you must accept a posting anywhere in the Territory. In Tasmania, graduates go to a 24/7 station for at least two years. NSW lets you nominate a regional location through "Be a Cop in your Home Town".
Questions to ask yourself
- ✓ Could I live in the academy town for 6–8 months?
- ✓ Am I happy to be posted anywhere for my first years?
- ✓ Does my partner's job move with me?
- ✓ Do I want city, regional or remote policing?
- ✓ How far would I be from family?
- ✓ What does housing cost where I'd likely be posted?
Remote and regional service: the incentives
Remote service is where the money and the experience often are. Every force offers some incentive, but the scale varies hugely.
NSW Police
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Remote cash incentive: $36,000 (Remote) or $31,000 (Special Remote) in total over 5 years; $19,000 over 5 years for Lord Howe Island.
Victoria Police
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Remote Allowance of $1,480.58 a year at listed remote stations, and the One Member Station Allowance ($14,157 a year with Operational Readiness).
QPS
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Area Allowance, Rural Locality Incentive Payment ($4,000 to $7,000 a year), extra pay points at hard-to-fill locations, and a $20,000 relocation incentive for interstate and overseas police
WA Police
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Fully subsidised housing in the 56 Schedule G towns (cl 17.14). Regional attraction payment on arrival (amount not published), district allowance, locality allowance, extra annual leave, travel concessions and relocation costs.
SAPOL
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Three-level Hard to Fill country scheme: housing, storage, lifestyle payments ($3,334 Level 1; $7,902 Level 2), a remote allowance of up to $4,892 a year (Level 2) and a guaranteed posting afterwards (1 Jan 2024 rates).
Tasmania Police
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Rent-free departmental residence at designated country and listed rural stations, plus the 37% country station allowance where it applies.
NT Police
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Housing allowance of $33,184 a year (taxable, paid fortnightly) (or barracks or free departmental housing), the Consolidated Remote Incentive Allowance, and up to $20,000 relocation
AFP
- Remote and regional incentives (examples)
- Remote PSO roles: up to $45,000 Remote Defence Capability Payment plus $10,970 Remote Localities Allowance at Exmouth and Pine Gap.
| Force | Remote and regional incentives (examples) |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | Remote cash incentive: $36,000 (Remote) or $31,000 (Special Remote) in total over 5 years; $19,000 over 5 years for Lord Howe Island. |
| Victoria Police | Remote Allowance of $1,480.58 a year at listed remote stations, and the One Member Station Allowance ($14,157 a year with Operational Readiness). |
| QPS | Area Allowance, Rural Locality Incentive Payment ($4,000 to $7,000 a year), extra pay points at hard-to-fill locations, and a $20,000 relocation incentive for interstate and overseas police |
| WA Police | Fully subsidised housing in the 56 Schedule G towns (cl 17.14). Regional attraction payment on arrival (amount not published), district allowance, locality allowance, extra annual leave, travel concessions and relocation costs. |
| SAPOL | Three-level Hard to Fill country scheme: housing, storage, lifestyle payments ($3,334 Level 1; $7,902 Level 2), a remote allowance of up to $4,892 a year (Level 2) and a guaranteed posting afterwards (1 Jan 2024 rates). |
| Tasmania Police | Rent-free departmental residence at designated country and listed rural stations, plus the 37% country station allowance where it applies. |
| NT Police | Housing allowance of $33,184 a year (taxable, paid fortnightly) (or barracks or free departmental housing), the Consolidated Remote Incentive Allowance, and up to $20,000 relocation |
| AFP | Remote PSO roles: up to $45,000 Remote Defence Capability Payment plus $10,970 Remote Localities Allowance at Exmouth and Pine Gap. |
Why people choose remote
- ✓Large allowances and subsidised housing
- ✓Fast, broad experience early in your career
- ✓Priority or guaranteed transfers afterwards in some forces
- ✓Close community relationships
What it costs
- ✕Distance from family and services
- ✕Limited backup on serious jobs
- ✕Partner employment can be hard
- ✕You may not choose where you go
Academy length and pay while you train
NSW Police
- Academy
- NSW Police Academy
- Length
- 16 weeks online (unpaid), then 16 weeks at Goulburn
- Pay while training
- $1,360 a week during the Academy session; online session unpaid
Victoria Police
- Academy
- Victoria Police Academy
- Length
- 25 weeks (sworn in at week 12)
- Pay while training
- $61,187
QPS
- Academy
- QPS Academy
- Length
- About 8 months
- Pay while training
- $59,728 calc
WA Police
- Academy
- WA Police Academy
- Length
- 28 weeks
- Pay while training
- $74,309
SAPOL
- Academy
- SA Police Academy
- Length
- About 6 months
- Pay while training
- $71,872
Tasmania Police
- Academy
- Tasmania Police Academy
- Length
- 28 weeks
- Pay while training
- $61,801
NT Police
- Academy
- NT Police
- Length
- 30 weeks
- Pay while training
- $74,619
AFP
- Academy
- AFP College
- Length
- 26 weeks (police)
- Pay while training
- $69,698
| Force | Academy | Length | Pay while training |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | NSW Police Academy | 16 weeks online (unpaid), then 16 weeks at Goulburn | $1,360 a week during the Academy session; online session unpaid |
| Victoria Police | Victoria Police Academy | 25 weeks (sworn in at week 12) | $61,187 |
| QPS | QPS Academy | About 8 months | $59,728 calc |
| WA Police | WA Police Academy | 28 weeks | $74,309 |
| SAPOL | SA Police Academy | About 6 months | $71,872 |
| Tasmania Police | Tasmania Police Academy | 28 weeks | $61,801 |
| NT Police | NT Police | 30 weeks | $74,619 |
| AFP | AFP College | 26 weeks (police) | $69,698 |
'calc' = calculated by us from the published rule. NSW recruits are paid as temporary administrative staff during the 16-week Academy session; the earlier online session is unpaid.
Training pay matters if you're leaving a job. NSW is the outlier: its first 16-week session is online study and unpaid, and you pay course fees (HECS-HELP available). Victoria recruits are on the recruit rate until they're sworn in at week 12. WA's recruit rate is the highest at $74,309.
Fitness and entry tests
NSW Police
- Beep test standard
- Level 7.1
- Fitness events
- 6
Victoria Police
- Beep test standard
- Level 5.01
- Fitness events
- 6
QPS
- Beep test standard
- Level 5 shuttle 7 (5/7) minimum
- Fitness events
- 3
WA Police
- Beep test standard
- Level 7.01 (male) / 6.01 (female)
- Fitness events
- 6
SAPOL
- Beep test standard
- No beep test (vest circuit)
- Fitness events
- 8
Tasmania Police
- Beep test standard
- Level 6.01 minimum
- Fitness events
- 8
NT Police
- Beep test standard
- Level 6.1
- Fitness events
- 5
AFP
- Beep test standard
- Level 6.5
- Fitness events
- 3
| Force | Beep test standard | Fitness events |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | Level 7.1 | 6 |
| Victoria Police | Level 5.01 | 6 |
| QPS | Level 5 shuttle 7 (5/7) minimum | 3 |
| WA Police | Level 7.01 (male) / 6.01 (female) | 6 |
| SAPOL | No beep test (vest circuit) | 8 |
| Tasmania Police | Level 6.01 minimum | 8 |
| NT Police | Level 6.1 | 5 |
| AFP | Level 6.5 | 3 |
If you're currently at beep level 5 and don't want months of training, Queensland (5/7) and Victoria (5.01) are within reach soonest. NSW (7.1) and WA (7.01 for men) need more work. Written tests also differ: Victoria has a four-part ACER exam, NSW and WA have none.
Check your numbers with the free fitness test checker, train with the beep test audio, and try a free set of entrance exam practice to see where you stand.
Already a police officer? Lateral and overseas entry
NSW Police
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- Professional Mobility Program for serving Australian and NZ police: 12 weeks at Goulburn, paid, rank recognised up to Senior Constable. No overseas pathway found.
Victoria Police
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- Prior service recognised for operational police from Australia, NZ and the UK, via the full process plus a skills-gap analysis.
QPS
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- 20-week PACE course for current or recent police, including international officers under a labour agreement; $20,000 relocation incentive.
WA Police
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- 13-week transitional course for officers from the UK, Ireland, NZ and interstate; service recognised up to Constable 5th year.
SAPOL
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- 15-week transition course for interstate officers and those from the UK, Ireland, Guernsey, NZ and Canada, paid as Probationary Constable.
Tasmania Police
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- 12-week Accelerated Training Program for Australian and NZ officers with 2+ years' post-probation service.
NT Police
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- Accelerated Recruitment Program for current or recent Australian or NZ police, paid by completed years of service.
AFP
- Pathway for experienced officers (summary)
- Skilled Police Program closed with no next intake date; prior experience can count toward band progression.
| Force | Pathway for experienced officers (summary) |
|---|---|
| NSW Police | Professional Mobility Program for serving Australian and NZ police: 12 weeks at Goulburn, paid, rank recognised up to Senior Constable. No overseas pathway found. |
| Victoria Police | Prior service recognised for operational police from Australia, NZ and the UK, via the full process plus a skills-gap analysis. |
| QPS | 20-week PACE course for current or recent police, including international officers under a labour agreement; $20,000 relocation incentive. |
| WA Police | 13-week transitional course for officers from the UK, Ireland, NZ and interstate; service recognised up to Constable 5th year. |
| SAPOL | 15-week transition course for interstate officers and those from the UK, Ireland, Guernsey, NZ and Canada, paid as Probationary Constable. |
| Tasmania Police | 12-week Accelerated Training Program for Australian and NZ officers with 2+ years' post-probation service. |
| NT Police | Accelerated Recruitment Program for current or recent Australian or NZ police, paid by completed years of service. |
| AFP | Skilled Police Program closed with no next intake date; prior experience can count toward band progression. |
If you're coming from overseas, check visa rules first: some forces sponsor a permanent visa under a labour agreement (WA, SA), while NT says it doesn't sponsor visas.
State police or the AFP?
State and territory forces do general duties, traffic, investigations and community policing within their borders. The AFP polices federal crime, including counter-terrorism and cybercrime, can deploy officers overseas, and provides community policing in the ACT through ACT Policing. It also employs Protective Service Officers, including at remote sites such as Exmouth and Pine Gap.
AFP strengths
- ✓15.4% employer super
- ✓National and international work
- ✓Paid from day one at the College, with accommodation
- ✓Broadband progression without rank exams to Band 5
AFP trade-offs
- ✕Australian citizenship required
- ✕Process often 6 to 12 months, with security vetting
- ✕Lower base pay than some states before the 22% composite
- ✕Postings depend on national need
A simple decision framework
- 1
Set your non-negotiables
Where you must live, whether you can relocate, and any citizenship limits (the AFP needs citizenship). This usually cuts eight forces to two or three.
- 2
Compare packages, not headlines
For each shortlisted force, work out first-year take-home with the allowances you'd actually get, plus employer super. Use the take-home pay calculator.
- 3
Check the entry hurdles
Fitness standard, written exam, education requirement and timeline. Pick the force whose hurdles you can clear soonest if timing matters.
- 4
Think five years ahead
Promotion structure, specialist units, transfer options and remote incentives. A force that pays a little less but gets you into the role you want sooner may be the better choice.
- 5
Talk to people
Go to a recruiting information session, and talk to serving officers about rosters, postings and culture. They'll tell you things no website will.
The best force for you is the one you'll still want to work for in ten years, not the one with the biggest number on the recruiting poster.
When you've chosen, read the force profile for NSW, Queensland, WA or the AFP, and start preparing with the AI mock interview.
Free email alerts
Intake dates and recruiting offers for the forces on your shortlist
Forces open intakes, change incentives and adjust pay throughout the year. We'll email you when a force on your shortlist opens recruiting or changes what it offers.
- ✓Intake and closing-date alerts
- ✓Pay rises and recruiting incentives as they change
Frequently asked questions
Which Australian police force pays the most?
It depends on what you count. On the base figures forces publish, WA's first-year constable is $94,651 and NSW's $92,576 including the 11.5% loading. But Queensland, Tasmania and NT add large shift or consolidated allowances on top of a lower base, and Queensland pays 18% super. Compare packages, not headlines.
Which police force is easiest to get into?
No force is easy, but entry requirements differ. Queensland's fitness test has only three events, and Victoria (5.01) and Queensland (5/7) have the lowest beep targets. NSW and WA have no separate written entrance exam. Victoria has no minimum education requirement but a four-part exam. The hardest part for most people is the interview and background checks, which every force runs.
Can I join a police force in a different state?
Yes. Most forces accept applicants from anywhere in Australia who meet citizenship or residency rules, and several hold interviews by video for interstate applicants. You'll need to relocate for the academy and accept postings where the force needs you, which can include regional and remote stations.
Is the AFP better than state police?
It's different. The AFP pays 15.4% super and works on national and international policing such as counter-terrorism and cybercrime, plus community policing in the ACT. You must be an Australian citizen, and the process can take 6 to 12 months. State forces offer more general duties and community policing.
Do I have to do remote service?
Some forces require you to accept a posting anywhere. NT says postings are set by organisational need, and NSW, Queensland, WA and SA all have rural and remote stations. Remote postings usually come with incentives such as housing, extra allowances or priority transfers afterwards.
Can overseas police officers join an Australian force?
Several forces run pathways for experienced officers. WA recruits serving officers from the UK, Ireland and New Zealand; SA from the UK, Ireland, Guernsey, New Zealand and Canada; Queensland through its PACE course; and Victoria recognises prior service from Australia, NZ and the UK. NSW's and Tasmania's programs are for Australian and NZ officers only.
How accurate is the quiz?
It's a simple scoring guide based on your answers and published pay, super and fitness figures. It can't weigh everything that matters, like family, partner jobs or the specialist role you want, and headline pay figures aren't like for like. Use it to shortlist, then read the force guides.
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.
- NSW Police Force: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- Victoria Police: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- Queensland Police Service: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- Western Australia Police Force: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- South Australia Police: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- Tasmania Police: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- Northern Territory Police Force: recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
- Australian Federal Police (incl. ACT Policing): recruiting — pay, academy, fitness and eligibility
Related guides
Tools and calculators
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.