AFP salary: base pay, super and tax explained

What "AFP salary" means

"AFP salary" refers to the base pay rates set by the Australian Federal Police enterprise agreement for its sworn officers, protective service officers and professional staff. Unlike many private-sector roles covered by modern awards, AFP pay is negotiated through an enterprise agreement that also sets conditions such as superannuation, allowances and overtime. The current agreement runs from 2024 to 2027 with staged increases of 4.5%, 4.0% and 2.7%.

AFP salary bands and the Salary Index

The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. AFP salaries span a wide range.

For example, a protective service officer recruit starts at Band 2.1 with a base salary of $64,754. That gives an index of about 60. After four years, the same officer reaches Band 2.5 at $75,233, index 69. But these are base rates. The AFP publishes "average potential earnings" that include a 22% composite allowance and Use of Force allowance. For a probationary police officer at Band 2.4 ($72,317 base), potential earnings are $91,727, index 85. That's still below the national line but closer when allowances are included.

Police officers progress through bands. At Band 3.4 after four years, base is $84,597, index 78. Potential earnings $106,708, index 98 – almost at the national average. At Band 6.3, base $118,673, index 110. Executive levels start at EL Minimum $168,355, index 155, up to EL Maximum $222,149, index 205.

These figures show that AFP salaries can range from below the national line to well above it, especially for senior ranks and when allowances are factored in.

Superannuation: 15.4% employer contribution

A standout feature of AFP employment is the employer superannuation contribution of 15.4%. That is 3.4 percentage points above the standard super guarantee of 12% (from 1 July 2026). For an officer on $80,000 base, that's an extra $2,720 per year in super. The contribution is paid on base salary and certain allowances, including the 22% core composite for operational staff.

Tax on AFP salary

AFP salaries are taxed under the usual PAYG system. Using 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare), a single officer earning $90,000 would pay about $19,867 in tax plus the 2% Medicare levy. The tax-free threshold means the first $18,200 is tax-free. Higher earners in executive bands face the 37% or 45% marginal rates. Salary sacrifice arrangements can reduce taxable income, but employer super contributions are not reduced by sacrifice.

Allowances and location pay

AFP officers can earn significant additional pay through location allowances. For example, working at a Defence site near Exmouth or Pine Gap can add $55,970 per year, taking total salary over $138,000. That would push the index to around 127. Overtime and penalties are extra.

How AFP salary compares to other industries

The Salary Index shows that the mining industry averages 154.7, professional services 114.7, and retail trade 75.9. AFP base salaries for constables sit between retail and professional services, but with allowances and super, the total package is competitive. The 15.4% super is notably higher than most industries.

Understanding your AFP salary index

To calculate your personal index: take your annual gross base salary (or total package if you prefer), divide by $108,352, multiply by 100. For a Band 5.3 officer on $107,559 base, index = 99.3. With composite and allowances, it could be higher.

The enterprise agreement provides clear incremental progression within bands, so your index will rise with service.

Summary

AFP salary is determined by a transparent enterprise agreement with bands from $64,754 to over $222,000. The salary index ranges from about 60 for recruits to over 200 for executives. The 15.4% super is a significant benefit. When allowances are included, many AFP officers earn at or above the national average.

For more context on how salaries compare across Australia, see Salary Index and pay guides. You can also explore states and industries to see where AFP pay sits relative to other sectors.