Queensland Police Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank in Australia (2025)

The Queensland Police Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank is an important topic for prospective recruits, serving officers, and those curious about careers in law enforcement. In 2025, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) continues to offer competitive and structured pay packages, including base salaries, allowances, and benefits, to reflect the risks and responsibilities faced by its members.

Police officers in Queensland are responsible for upholding the law, maintaining public order, preventing crime, and responding to emergencies across urban, regional, and remote areas. Given the variety of environments and challenges they face, salaries are designed to reward experience, responsibility, and geographic hardship.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the full salary structure of Queensland Police officers by rank, including entry-level roles, mid-career positions, and high-ranking command roles. It also explains how allowances work, how pay increases with experience, and answers frequently asked questions.

Overview of the Queensland Police Service (QPS)

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is the primary law enforcement agency in the state of Queensland, Australia. It employs thousands of officers who work in general duties, highway patrol, forensics, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and more. The service operates under the Police Service Administration Act 1990 (Qld) and is led by the Commissioner of Police.

QPS officers serve across more than 1,400 communities in the state, including metropolitan areas like Brisbane and regional towns in the Outback. Officers are paid according to their rank, qualifications, years of service, and specific roles.

Entry-Level Queensland Police Officer Salary (Recruit to Constable)

Police Recruit Salary (During Academy Training)

• Position: Police Recruit (pre-service training)

• Base Salary (2025): AUD $62,000 – $65,000 per annum

• Training Duration: 6 months at the QPS Academy

• Key Points:

  • Recruits are paid while they train.

  • No overtime or shift penalties during training.

  • Superannuation and leave entitlements apply.

First Year Constable (Post-Academy)

• Position: Constable – Year 1

• Base Salary: AUD $75,000 – $80,000 per annum

• Inclusions: Some shift allowances may apply depending on location.

• Duties: General duties policing, community patrols, attending incidents.

Second and Third Year Constables

• Constable – Year 2 Salary: AUD $81,000 – $85,000

• Constable – Year 3 Salary: AUD $86,000 – $90,000

• Progression: Annual increases based on satisfactory service and professional development.

Mid-Level Police Officer Salary in Queensland (Senior Constable to Sergeant)

Senior Constable Salary

• Base Salary: AUD $93,000 – $100,000 per annum

• Requirements: Minimum 4 years as a Constable and demonstrated performance.

• Duties: Training junior officers, handling complex cases, more autonomy in field operations.

Detective Senior Constable

• Base Salary: AUD $97,000 – $105,000

• Specialisation: Criminal investigations, forensics, intelligence.

• Additional Benefits: Higher allowance for investigative roles, required completion of detective training.

Plain Clothes Allowance: Officers in investigative or covert roles receive a Plain Clothes Allowance, often between $2,000 – $3,000 per year.

Sergeant Salary (Team Leader Roles)

• Base Salary: AUD $105,000 – $115,000 per annum

• Role: Supervision of general duties teams or operational command of specialist units.

• Responsibilities: Rostering, field management, community relations, first-line leadership.

Senior-Level Police Officer Salary in Queensland (Inspector and Above)

Senior Sergeant

• Base Salary: AUD $118,000 – $130,000

• Duties: Area command, supervising large teams, overseeing strategy and investigations.

• Eligibility: Competitive selection, strong leadership track record.

Inspector

• Base Salary: AUD $135,000 – $145,000

• Responsibilities: District or divisional oversight, high-level coordination, operational planning.

• Benefits: Executive-style benefits, official travel allowances, greater access to support staff.

Superintendent

• Base Salary: AUD $155,000 – $170,000

• Duties: Regional command, leadership across multiple policing units or communities.

• Other Benefits: Executive leave loading, car allowance, higher-level benefits.

Chief Superintendent

• Base Salary: AUD $175,000 – $190,000

• Scope: Strategic leadership of major branches or entire operational commands across Queensland.

Assistant Commissioner and Above

These senior ranks are held by a small number of individuals who lead the entire Queensland Police Service at the highest levels of decision-making.

Summary Table: Queensland Police Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank (2025)

Allowances and Benefits for Queensland Police Officers

Queensland Police officers receive numerous allowances and entitlements that significantly increase their total remuneration. These include:

Shift Penalties

• Paid for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

• Can add 15–25% to the base salary depending on the frequency of shifts.

Uniform Allowance

• Annual payments to cover the cost of uniform maintenance.

Plain Clothes Allowance

• Paid to detectives and officers in non-uniform roles.

Remote Locality Allowance

• Officers posted in rural or remote communities receive extra pay to compensate for hardship or limited services.

Motor Vehicle Allowance

• Applicable to senior officers or those with field responsibilities requiring transport.

Superannuation

• Generous super contributions (usually 15.4%) paid by the Queensland Government.

Promotions and Career Progression in the Queensland Police Service

Promotions are typically based on:

• Years of service and experience

• Formal qualifications (e.g. Certificate IV in Leadership, Diploma in Policing)

• Performance reviews and assessments

• Success in internal promotional examinations and interviews

Each rank comes with structured salary increments and opportunities to take on more responsibility.

Cost of Living Considerations and Salary Adjustments

While the base salaries remain consistent across the state, the total compensation can vary based on:

• Location: Officers in regional or remote areas may receive additional allowances.

• Housing Costs: Officers posted to high-rent areas may be eligible for accommodation support.

• Operational Requirements: More demanding posts (e.g., tactical, night duty) offer higher penalty rates.

How Police Officers Are Paid in Queensland

• Salaries are paid fortnightly.

• Officers receive a detailed payslip outlining:

  • Base pay

  • Allowances

  • Deductions (tax, superannuation, union fees)

• All officers are paid via the Queensland Government payroll system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a Queensland Police Officer earn per year?

In 2025, base salaries range from AUD $62,000 for recruits to over $300,000 for the Commissioner. Most general-duty officers earn between $75,000 and $130,000 per year.

2. Do Queensland Police Officers receive extra pay for night shifts?

Yes. Shift penalties apply for nights, weekends, and public holidays and can significantly increase take-home pay.

3. What is the starting salary for a police officer in Queensland?

The starting salary for a first-year constable in Queensland is approximately AUD $75,000 – $80,000 per year.

4. Are there different pay scales for regional officers?

Yes. Officers in remote or regional locations may receive a remote locality allowance to compensate for distance and hardship.

5. Do detectives earn more than general-duty officers?

Yes. Detectives receive plain clothes and specialist allowances that increase their total remuneration.

6. How often are police salaries reviewed?

Police salaries are reviewed under enterprise bargaining agreements and public service policy, generally every 2–3 years.

7. Is superannuation included in the salary figures?

No. Superannuation is a separate contribution made by the employer and is in addition to the base salary.

8. Can officers be promoted quickly?

Yes. Officers demonstrating high performance, leadership skills, and completing promotional training can move up ranks within a few years.

9. Do officers receive overtime pay?

Yes. Officers who work beyond rostered hours or during critical operations are eligible for overtime pay.

10. Are police salaries in Queensland competitive?

Yes. Queensland Police salaries are among the most competitive in Australia, especially when shift penalties and allowances are included.

Conclusion: Is a Queensland Police Career Financially Rewarding?

The Queensland Police Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank in 2025 shows that the Queensland Police Service offers a stable, well-paid, and structured career path. Whether you're entering the force as a recruit or climbing toward senior command positions, the salary structure rewards service, leadership, and specialisation.

Beyond just the salary, Queensland Police officers benefit from generous allowances, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference in their communities. For anyone seeking a secure and meaningful public service career, policing in Queensland remains a strong and respected choice.