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Police salary Victoria: how it compares to the national average

Victoria Police salaries start below the national full-time average of $108,352, but progression to First Constable ($90,399) approaches the full-time median.

This is the Victoria full-time average. It sits $2,215 under the Australian full-time average, about 2.0% below the line.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,041 a week · $53.71 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $81,653 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Police salary Victoria: how it compares to the national average

Victoria Police officers are paid according to the Victoria Police Force Enterprise Agreement, with clear salary steps from recruit through to First Constable. This article compares those salaries to the national full-time average and gives a take-home pay sketch using the latest tax rates.

The national benchmark

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. That works out to about $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52). This is the reference line used on this site. For Victoria specifically, the state full-time average is slightly lower at $106,137 per year. The national full-time median is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).

Victoria Police salary steps

Victoria Police publishes the following salaries on its website:

  • Recruit: $61,187 per year from week one at the academy.
  • Probationary Constable: $84,060 per year after swearing in at week 12, plus allowances.
  • First Constable: $90,399 per year upon completion of the Diploma of Policing, plus allowances.

These are base salaries before overtime, shift penalties, and allowances. Victoria Police notes that officers can also salary-package contributions to the Emergency Services Super Fund.

How they stack up

A recruit's salary of $61,187 is well below the national full-time average of $108,352 and even below the all-employees median of $74,100. A Probationary Constable at $84,060 is still below the full-time average but above the all-employees median. A First Constable at $90,399 is very close to the national full-time median of $90,532, meaning half of full-time workers earn more and half earn less.

It is important to note that police officers often work more than the standard 38-hour week used on this site. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the average full-time hours for police officers are 43 hours per week (based on 2021 Census data). Victoria Police states that ordinary hours are 80 per fortnight (40 per week), with additional leave to compensate for the 38-hour week standard. Overtime and shift penalties can boost total earnings significantly.

Take-home pay after tax

Using the 2026–27 ATO resident tax rates (tax-free threshold $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy), here are approximate annual take-home amounts:

  • Recruit ($61,187): Tax about $9,600, Medicare $1,224, take-home ~$50,363.
  • Probationary Constable ($84,060): Tax about $15,600, Medicare $1,681, take-home ~$66,779.
  • First Constable ($90,399): Tax about $17,300, Medicare $1,808, take-home ~$71,291.

These are rough estimates and do not include the tax-free threshold adjustments, low-income offsets, or salary-sacrificed super. Actual take-home will vary.

Where to from here?

If you are considering a career with Victoria Police, the starting salary is below the national average but rises quickly within the first year. With allowances and overtime, experienced officers can earn above the average. For a broader view of how different jobs compare, see Place a salary on the line or check the Victoria state page for local averages.

Key points to remember

  • The national full-time average is $108,352 per year (ABS, May 2026).
  • Victoria Police recruit salary is $61,187; Probationary Constable $84,060; First Constable $90,399.
  • The full-time median is $90,532, so a First Constable is right around the middle.
  • Police officers typically work more than 38 hours per week, which affects the hourly rate comparison.
  • Tax estimates above use 2026–27 rates and exclude offsets and deductions.

For more detail on how salaries are set and what data sources are used, visit About this site.

Questions

What is the starting salary for a Victoria Police recruit?

According to Victoria Police, recruits are paid $61,187 per year from week one at the academy. After 12 weeks, upon swearing in as a Probationary Constable, the salary rises to $84,060 per year plus allowances. Once the Diploma of Policing is completed, officers progress to First Constable and earn $90,399 per year plus allowances.

How does a Victoria Police officer's salary compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings is $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A Victoria Police recruit's salary of $61,187 is well below that average. A Probationary Constable at $84,060 is still below, while a First Constable at $90,399 is close to the national full-time median of $90,532. With allowances and overtime, total earnings can be higher.

What is the take-home pay after tax for a Victoria Police officer?

Using 2026–27 ATO tax rates (nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy), a First Constable earning $90,399 would pay about $18,300 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $72,100 take-home. A Probationary Constable at $84,060 would take home about $67,500. These are estimates and do not include salary-sacrificed super or deductions.

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