Vic police salary: how it compares to awards and the national minimum wage

What is a vic police salary?

A vic police salary refers to the pay structure for sworn officers of Victoria Police. Unlike many occupations covered by a modern award, police salaries are set by the Victoria Police Force Enterprise Agreement, which is negotiated between the force, the union, and the state government. The agreement specifies base rates, allowances, shift penalties, and leave entitlements. Because police work involves shift work, public holidays, and potential remote postings, the actual take-home pay can be significantly higher than the base salary.

How the Salary Index applies to vic police salary

The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. The national line is $108,352 per year (index 100). A figure below 100 means the salary is below the national average; above 100 means above. For vic police salary, the index varies by rank and experience.

Recruit (week 1)

From day one at the Victoria Police Academy, recruits are paid $61,187 per year. This gives an index of about 56.5. That is above the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($52,255) but well below the national average. Recruits are paid to train and learn, and they receive shift penalties and overtime if applicable.

Probationary Constable (after 12 weeks)

After being sworn in, a Probationary Constable earns $84,060 per year, plus allowances. The index rises to about 77.6. This is still below the national average but comfortably above award rates. For comparison, the entry-level award floor (the lowest rate under most modern awards) is $25.74 per hour, or about $53,539 per year full-time (index 49.4).

First Constable (after Diploma of Policing)

Once the Diploma of Policing is completed, the salary increases to $90,399 per year (index 83.4). This is about 73% above the national minimum wage and 69% above the award floor. However, many police officers at this level also receive shift allowances, overtime, and other benefits that can push their effective earnings closer to or above the national average.

Awards versus the national minimum wage for police

Because police are not under a modern award, the comparison to award rates is indirect. The national minimum wage ($26.44/hr, index 48.2) and the typical award minimum ($25.74/hr) serve as a floor. A vic police salary starts well above that floor. Even the recruit rate of $61,187 is 17% above the national minimum wage annualised. After graduation, the gap widens.

But the enterprise agreement also provides conditions that are more generous than many awards. For example, police 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). Most modern awards provide four weeks annual leave. The agreement also includes 15 days personal/carer leave, long-service leave after 10 years, and the ability to salary sacrifice for remote area housing and utilities.

Shift penalties and allowances

The base salary is only part of the story. Police officers work an average of 43 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia), and the ordinary hours are 80 per fortnight. Shifts attract allowances, and overtime is paid. Country policing placements come with extra tax breaks and allowances, such as relocation costs, remote location allowance, and reimbursement of telephone expenses. These can significantly boost the index.

How vic police salary compares to other states and industries

Victoria’s state index is 98 ($106,137 annualised), slightly below the national line. A First Constable’s base salary of $90,399 is below the state average, but with allowances, many officers likely earn close to or above the state index. Compared to other industries, police pay sits between retail trade (index 75.9) and education and training (index 105.5). The industries page shows that mining leads at 154.7, while accommodation and food services lag at 72.5.

Superannuation and tax

Police officers are members of the Emergency Services Super Fund, with the super guarantee at 12% from 1 July 2026. Contributions can be salary packaged. For tax, police are taxed as ordinary employees. The 2026–27 resident tax rates apply: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Medicare levy is 2%. Country police may reduce taxable income through salary sacrificing rent and utilities in ATO-approved remote areas.

Where to find more information

For more on how salaries compare across Australia, see the states page. If you are comparing police pay to other roles, the pay guides section explains award rates. The topics page covers enterprise agreements and how they differ from awards.

Caveats

The index figures for vic police salary are based on published base rates from Victoria Police. Actual earnings vary by rank, years of service, location, and shift patterns. The ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for police officers due to statistical reliability, so these base rates are the best public indicator. Always check the current enterprise agreement for the most up-to-date figures.