Police salary and the national line
Police officers in Australia are paid under enterprise agreements that vary by jurisdiction. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) publishes clear salary bands for its officers, while state and territory forces have their own structures. This article looks at how a police salary sits against the national full-time average of $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).
AFP base salaries
According to the AFP, a police officer's base salary ranges from $69,698 for a college recruit to $84,597 after four years of service. Protective service officers start at $64,754. Beyond these bands, advancement into leadership roles can push base pay to $111,861 per year. These figures are before allowances and superannuation.
The AFP also notes that officers can earn a 22% composite allowance and a Use of Force allowance of $3,500 per year. In some remote Defence sites, total potential earnings can exceed $138,000. This means a police salary can be well above the national average, especially for experienced officers in high-allowance roles.
How it compares to the national average
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. A probationary AFP officer on a base salary of $72,317 is below this line. However, with average potential earnings of $91,727 (including composite and Use of Force allowances), they are still below the national average. It is only after several years and with allowances that police pay approaches or exceeds the national figure.
For comparison, the full-time median earnings are about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Many police officers in their first few years earn around this median, while senior officers earn above it.
State and territory variations
Police pay also depends on location. The ABS state averages show that full-time earnings vary significantly: the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at $119,090, while Tasmania has the lowest at $96,008. Police officers in the ACT, where the AFP is headquartered, may benefit from higher locality allowances. In contrast, officers in Tasmania might earn less on average, though state police agreements may differ.
The AFP offers extra allowances for remote postings. For example, working at a Defence site near Exmouth or Pine Gap can add $55,970 per year, taking total salary over $138,000. This is well above the national average and even above the highest state average.
The role of enterprise agreements
Police salaries are set by enterprise agreements, not by the national minimum wage or awards. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Police base salaries start well above this, reflecting the specialised nature of the work.
The AFP enterprise agreement provides clear incremental progression. Officers move up bands with experience, and there are opportunities for overtime and penalties. This structure means a police salary is predictable and grows with service.
Understanding total police earnings
The AFP distinguishes between base salary and average potential earnings. Base salary is the guaranteed amount before tax. Potential earnings include composite allowances, Use of Force allowance, and other penalties. For a probationary officer, base is $72,317 but potential earnings are $91,727. This is important when comparing to the national average, which is based on ordinary time earnings for full-time adults. The ABS figure includes allowances and overtime for some, but the national average is a broad measure.
The ATO provides guidance for police officers on income and work-related deductions. Police can claim deductions for items like protective clothing, equipment, and union fees. This can reduce taxable income, but does not change the gross salary comparison.
Police salary progression
The AFP salary bands show clear progression. After four years, a police officer reaches band 3.4 with a base of $84,597. Potential earnings at that level are $106,708, which is very close to the national average of $108,352. After that, advancement to senior constable or sergeant can push base pay to $111,861, above the national average.
Protective service officers have a lower starting salary but also progress. After four years, base is $75,233 with potential earnings of $95,284.
Comparison with other occupations
The national full-time median is $90,532. Many police officers in their first few years earn around this median. The all-employees median (including part-time) is $74,100. Police salaries are generally above this, reflecting the full-time nature of the work.
The national minimum wage is $52,255 per year. Police salaries start well above this, even for recruits.
State police forces
While the AFP covers federal policing, each state and territory has its own police force with separate enterprise agreements. For example, New South Wales Police Force has its own salary structure. The ABS state averages provide context: NSW full-time average is $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, Western Australia $115,825, Tasmania $96,008, Northern Territory $103,173, ACT $119,090. Police salaries in each state may align with these averages, but specific police pay scales would need to be consulted.
The AFP offers location allowances that can make federal policing more attractive in remote areas. This can push total earnings above the state average.
Gender considerations
The ABS data shows a gender pay gap in full-time earnings: men average $113,412, women $100,594. Policing has historically been male-dominated, but the AFP and state forces have made efforts to improve gender balance. The AFP enterprise agreement provides for equal pay for equal work, but compositional differences (e.g., more men in senior roles) may affect average earnings.
Tax on police salary
Police salaries are taxed under the standard resident tax rates for 2026-27: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above that, plus 2% Medicare levy. A police officer earning $91,727 would be in the 30% bracket. Those earning over $138,000 would be in the 37% bracket. The ATO guide helps police claim work-related deductions to reduce taxable income.
Summary
Police salary is not a single figure. It varies by force, rank, location, and allowances. The national full-time average of $108,352 is a useful benchmark. Early-career police officers typically earn below it, while experienced officers with allowances can earn above. The AFP's transparent salary bands make it easy to see where a particular role sits.
For a personalised comparison, use the Place a salary on the line tool. To see how your state compares, visit States and territories. And for more on how salaries are set, see How the figures are set.