Victoria Police Salary: What Officers Earn in 2026

What is the Victoria Police salary in 2026?

When you search for "victoria police salary", you are likely asking what police officers in Victoria earn, from recruit to superintendent. The answer depends on rank, experience, and allowances. This guide uses the Salary Index to place Victoria Police pay against the national line, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).

Victoria Police salary structure

Victoria Police publishes its salary scales on the official Victoria Police website. Recruits are paid from day one at the academy, earning $61,187 per year (index 56). After 12 weeks, probationary constables earn $84,060 (index 78). Once they complete the Diploma of Policing and become First Constable, the salary rises to $90,399 (index 83). These are base salaries exclude shift penalties, overtime, and allowances that can add significantly to take-home pay.

Average total remuneration (including super and typical penalties) is higher. According to Victoria Police's 2026 data, constables average $92,228 for women and $94,601 for men. Senior constables average $107,171 (women) to $120,538 (men). Sergeants earn $132,457–$144,098, inspectors $173,475–$173,599, and superintendents $186,074–$189,921. That puts senior ranks well above the national line: sergeant index 122–133, inspector index 160, superintendent index 172–175.

How does Victoria Police pay compare to the national police median?

Nationally, police officers have a median full-time weekly earning of $2,560, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. That annualises to $133,120 (index 123). Victoria Police constables at index 78–83 are below that median, while sergeants and above exceed it. The state index for Victoria is 98 ($106,137), so police pay in Victoria is generally higher than the state average for all occupations in Victoria. Compared to other industries, police pay sits between professional services (index 115) and mining (index 155).

State and industry differences

Victoria's state index is 98, slightly below the national line. Police pay in Victoria is higher than the state average, but not as high as the national police median (index 123). That reflects that police pay is a relatively well-paid occupation nationally. Within Victoria, police pay is in the top quartile of all occupations. Compare to retail trade (index 76) or accommodation and food services (index 73), police pay is much higher. The gender pay gap within Victoria Police shows a 3.8% base salary gap, with men earning more at most ranks.

Salary index explained

The Salary Index divides yearly gross ordinary-time earnings divided by the national line of $108,352. For example, a Victoria Police constable earning $90,399 / $108,352 * 100 = 83. That means 83% of the national benchmark. A sergeant at $144,098 gives index 133, meaning 33% above the line. Index figures are benchmarks, not a quote for a person or award classification. Modern awards can pay more than the national minimum wage.

Allowances and allowances

Victoria Police officers get 9 weeks recreation leave, 15 days personal leave, shift penalties, overtime, and 12% super guarantee. Officers in remote areas can salary sacrifice rent and utilities. Take-home figures are a resident estimate with the tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy. They ignore HELP, salary sacrifice, the Medicare levy reduction, and the Medicare levy surcharge.

Conclusion

Victoria Police salary ranges from index 56 for recruits to index 175 for superintendents. The national police median is index 123, so early-career officers are below that, while senior ranks are well above. For more comparisons, see pay guides for other occupations, states for state indices, and industries for industry benchmarks. The how the index works page explains the calculation in detail. For related topics, visit topics.