Police Salary Victoria: What to Expect from a Job Advertisement

Reading a police salary ad in Victoria

When you see a job advertisement for a police officer in Victoria, the base salary figure is only part of the story. The advertised rate usually reflects the award or enterprise agreement minimum, but actual earnings can be higher once you account for shift penalties, overtime, and allowances. This guide breaks down the typical pay steps and shows how they compare to the national earnings line.

The keyword: police salary victoria

‘Police salary victoria’ refers to the pay rates set for sworn officers employed by Victoria Police. These rates come from an enterprise agreement between the force and the Police Association Victoria, approved by the Fair Work Commission. The most recent publicly available agreement is the Victoria Police (Police Officers, Protective Services Officers, Police Reservists and Police Recruits) Enterprise Agreement 2019, which expired in November 2023. Current salaries are likely based on a subsequent agreement or a determination, but the progression structure remains similar.

Salary steps from recruit to first constable

Victoria Police publishes clear salary steps on its website. From week one at the academy, recruits earn $61,187 per year. After 12 weeks of training, you are sworn in as a Probationary Constable and your salary jumps to $84,060, plus allowances. Once you complete the Diploma of Policing and meet all requirements, you become a First Constable and earn $90,399, again plus allowances. Further progression depends on role, duties, and performance under the enterprise agreement.

How these figures sit on the salary index

The Salary Index measures yearly gross ordinary-time earnings against the national line of $108,352 (index 100). A recruit on $61,187 sits at index 56.5 – well below the national average. A Probationary Constable at $84,060 is at index 77.6, and a First Constable at $90,399 is at index 83.4. These base rates are lower than many professional roles, but police work attracts significant additional payments.

Allowances and penalties make a difference

Police officers in Victoria work a 38-hour week averaged over a fortnight, but shifts attract penalties. You also get overtime when you work beyond ordinary hours. The enterprise agreement provides nine weeks of recreation leave per year: five weeks annual leave, two weeks in lieu of public holidays, and 10 days accrued time off. Country policing placements come with extra tax breaks and allowances, including relocation costs and up to 50% of rent or utilities salary-sacrificed in approved remote areas. These benefits can push your total compensation well above the base salary.

Comparing offers across states

If you are looking at police jobs in other states, remember that each jurisdiction has its own agreement. For example, the states page shows that Victoria’s overall index is 98, slightly below the national line, while New South Wales is 101.2 and Western Australia is 106.9. Police salaries in each state follow a similar rank structure but the dollar amounts differ.

Superannuation and tax

Victoria Police officers are members of the Emergency Services Super Fund. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and contributions can be salary-sacrificed. Your income is taxed like any other employee, with the standard 2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Country police officers can salary-sacrifice rent and utilities in approved areas, reducing taxable income.

Reading a job ad critically

When you see a police salary ad, look for the base rate and then check what allowances and penalties are mentioned. Some ads might quote the top of the scale or include an estimate of total package. Use the how the index works page to convert any figure into an index number and compare it to other roles. For example, a First Constable base of $90,399 is below the national line, but if you add 20% in shift penalties and allowances, you could be looking at $108,479 – almost exactly the national average.

The bottom line

A police salary in Victoria starts modestly but grows quickly with experience and allowances. The base rates are below the national ordinary-time earnings line, but the total compensation package – including leave, super, and penalties – is competitive. Always read the fine print of the enterprise agreement or ask the recruiter what typical earnings are for the role you are applying for.

For more context on how police pay compares to other industries, see our industries page. And if you are weighing a move between states, the states page gives you the index for each jurisdiction.