Police pay in England and Wales is set nationally by the Police Remuneration Review Body. After the 2025/26 uplift, here are the 2026 take-home pay figures for each rank — including Police Pension Scheme deductions.
2026 Police Pay Scales (England & Wales)
| Rank | Gross Annual | Monthly Take-Home (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Constable (entry) | £28,551 | ~£1,930 |
| Constable (max) | £46,227 | ~£2,780 |
| Sergeant (min) | £47,085 | ~£2,820 |
| Sergeant (max) | £50,874 | ~£2,970 |
| Inspector (min) | £57,162 | ~£3,210 |
| Inspector (max) | £61,098 | ~£3,360 |
Take-home estimates based on standard 1257L tax code and Police Pension Scheme 2015 contributions (approx. 12.44% on this pay range).
Police Pension: The Big Deduction
The Police Pension Scheme 2015 (PPS 2015) requires contributions of 12.44%–13.78% depending on salary tier. This is one of the highest pension contribution rates in the public sector. However, it funds an excellent defined benefit pension based on career average earnings, with retirement from age 60 (or earlier on medical grounds).
London Weighting and Allowances
Metropolitan Police officers receive London Weighting of £7,719/year. Officers in the outer London forces receive lower supplements. All are taxable but pensionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do police officers pay NI?
Yes — police officers pay employee National Insurance at the standard rates (8% up to £50,270, 2% above). NI is not affected by being in a defined benefit pension scheme.
What is the Police uplift for 2026?
The Pay Review Body's 2026 recommendation is pending at the time of writing. The 2025/26 recommendation was 4.75%. Watch for the annual PRB report published each spring.
Calculate your police take-home pay with our Police Pay Calculator.