Sector Guides
Police Payslip Explained
A complete guide for officers in England and Wales. Understand your 2026/27 pay scales, the Police Pension Scheme 2015, and how your shift allowances are taxed.
Police Pay Scales (2026/27)
Police pay in England and Wales is determined annually following recommendations by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB). Your basic pay is determined by your rank and your pay point (which increases with years of service).
For a Constable, the pay scale typically progresses from Point 0 (initial training) up to Point 7 (top of scale). Similar progressive scales exist for Sergeants and Inspectors.
Check your take-home pay
Use our main calculator to see exactly how your police salary breaks down into Tax, National Insurance, and Pension deductions.
Calculate Take-Home Pay →The Police Pension Scheme 2015 (PPS)
The vast majority of serving officers are now members of the Police Pension Scheme 2015 (a Career Average Revalued Earnings or CARE scheme). You will likely see "PPS 2015" or similar on your payslip.
Contribution Rates
Police pensions have some of the highest employee contribution rates in the public sector, which can be a shock to new recruits. The rates are tiered based on your pensionable pay:
- Tier 1: £27,000 or less = 12.44%
- Tier 2: Over £27,000 to £60,000 = 13.44%
- Tier 3: Over £60,000 = 13.78%
Tax Relief: These contributions are deducted before Income Tax is calculated. This means you receive automatic tax relief at your highest marginal rate (e.g., 20% or 40%).
Allowances and Extras
Your basic pay is often supplemented by various allowances. It is crucial to understand how these are taxed:
1. Unsocial Hours / Shift Allowance
If you work between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am, you are entitled to an additional 10% of your basic pay for those hours. This payment is fully taxable and subject to National Insurance, but it is generally non-pensionable (you don't pay pension contributions on it).
2. Overtime
Overtime (whether rest day working or casual overtime) is paid at premium rates (e.g., time and a third, or time and a half). Like shift pay, overtime is taxable and subject to NI, but is non-pensionable.
3. London Weighting and Allowances
Officers in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police receive additional pay to offset the cost of living in the capital.
- London Weighting: This is a pensionable addition to your basic pay.
- London Allowance: This is an additional sum which is taxable but usually non-pensionable.
4. Housing / Replacement Allowance
Historically, officers were provided with housing or a rent allowance. For officers who joined before certain dates, a transitional housing or replacement allowance is paid. This allowance is treated as income, meaning it is subject to both Income Tax and National Insurance.