Police officers (sergeant and below) Pay Data UK — 2024

Police officers (sergeant and below) roles in the UK earn a median of £45,438 per year, equivalent to £22.21 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 2.0% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £32,788 to £64,657 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Police officers (sergeant and below) roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Police officers (sergeant and below)

Police officers (sergeant and below) co-ordinate and undertake the investigation of crimes, patrol public areas, arrest offenders and suspects and enforce law and order. Officers of the British Transport Police operate within the specialised police service for the railway network across britain.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• receives instructions from senior officers and patrols an assigned area on foot, horseback, motorcycle, motor car or boat to check security and enforce regulations
• directs and controls traffic or crowds at demonstrations and large public events
• investigates complaints, crimes, accidents, any suspicious activities or other incidents
• interviews suspects, takes statements from witnesses and stops, searches and/or arrests suspects
• attends accidents
• prepares briefs or reports for senior officers
• works on station reception desk and or in communications room
• gives evidence in court cases

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no academic requirements for entry to the civilian (Home Office) police although eligibility criteria vary across individual police forces. Entrants must sit an entry test and pass a medical examination. All police officers undergo a two year probationary training period. Residency, nationality and age restrictions apply, and background security checks are carried out in respect of entrants. Entrants may join via the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.