Where Victoria Police salaries sit against the national full-time average
Victoria Police publishes clear salary steps for police officers. A recruit earns $61,187 during the 12-week training period at the academy. After being sworn in as a Probationary Constable, the salary rises to $84,060 per year plus allowances. Once the Diploma of Policing is completed, the officer becomes a First Constable and receives $90,399 per year plus allowances. These figures come from the Victoria Police website and are based on the Victoria Police Force Enterprise Agreement 2019, as approved by the Fair Work Commission.
To put these numbers in context, the national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). That is the line on this site. A First Constable at $90,399 is roughly $17,953 below the national average. However, police officers receive shift penalties, overtime, and other allowances that can boost total earnings. The base salary alone does not capture the full compensation package.
Salary progression and enterprise agreement
Victoria Police salaries are set by the Victoria Police (Police Officers, Protective Services Officers, Police Reservists and Police Recruits) Enterprise Agreement 2019, which is available through the Fair Work Commission. The agreement outlines ordinary hours of 80 hours per fortnight, with shift allowances for intrusive and unsociable hours. After 10 years of service, officers can access three months of long-service leave on full pay. The salary progression beyond First Constable depends on role, duties, and performance, as per the enterprise agreement.
How the figures are set
The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, for May and November. The May 2026 release shows a 3.7% annual increase in full-time adult ordinary-time earnings to $2,083.70 per week. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (Fair Work). Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date. The full-time median earnings are about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). A Victoria Police First Constable's base salary of $90,399 sits just below the full-time median but above the all-employees median.
State comparison
Victoria's state full-time average is about $106,137 per year (ABS, May 2026). That is slightly below the national average. A First Constable at $90,399 is about $15,738 below the Victorian average. Other states vary: New South Wales averages $109,658, Queensland $106,064, Western Australia $115,825, and the Australian Capital Territory $119,090. See how states compare on the line.
Tax and take-home pay
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies before any reductions. A First Constable on $90,399 would fall in the 30% bracket plus Medicare, giving an approximate marginal rate of 32%. The tax-free threshold means the first $18,200 is untaxed.
Benefits beyond salary
Victoria Police officers receive nine weeks of recreation leave per year: five weeks annual leave, two weeks in lieu of public holidays, and 10 days accrued time off. They also get 15 days personal/carer leave. After 10 years, long-service leave of three months on full pay (or six months on half pay) is available. Officers are members of the Emergency Services Super Fund, and contributions can be salary packaged. These benefits add significant value beyond the base salary.
How this site works
This site places any salary on a line against the national full-time average. You can compare your own pay or a job offer. Place a salary on the line to see where it sits. For more detail on how the average is calculated, see How the figures are set.
Industry and occupation context
Police officers fall under the public administration and safety industry. The ABS does not publish a specific industry median for police, but the all-employees median of $74,100 gives a benchmark for the broader workforce. Job medians and Industry medians provide further comparisons.
Summary
A Victoria Police officer's salary starts below the national average but rises with experience and rank. The base pay for a First Constable is $90,399, which is below the national full-time average of $108,352 but above the all-employees median. When allowances, penalties, and generous leave are included, the total compensation package is competitive. For the most current figures, refer to the Victoria Police website and the Fair Work Commission's enterprise agreement.