Victoria Police Salary vs National Minimum Wage: What Pay Floor Applies?

Victoria Police salary and the national minimum wage

When searching for "vic police salary", many people want to know how police pay compares with Australia's legal minimum. This guide explains the different pay floors that apply and how Victoria Police officer salaries sit well above them.

The national minimum wage as a safety net

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement.

However, most employees in Australia are covered by either a modern award or an enterprise agreement, which can set higher minimum rates. The national minimum wage acts as a floor – no employee can be paid less than this, but many are entitled to more.

Victoria Police salaries under the Enterprise Agreement

Victoria Police officers are employed under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024 . This agreement sets specific salary rates, allowances, and conditions. According to the Victoria Police website , the starting salary for recruits is $61,187 per annum from week one at the Academy. After graduation as a Probationary Constable (week 12), the salary rises to $84,060 per annum plus allowances. Upon completion of the Diploma of Policing and progression to First Constable, the salary increases to $90,399 per annum plus allowances.

These salaries are significantly above the national minimum wage. For example, the recruit salary equates to approximately $1,176.67 per week (based on the 80-hour fortnight or 40-hour week typical for police), compared to the national minimum of $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week. The difference is even larger when considering the higher rates after graduation.

How police pay compares with award rates

Police officers are not covered by a modern award; their pay is determined by the enterprise agreement. However, for context, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot fall below the national minimum wage. The introductory rate (first six months) is $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week from 1 July 2026. Police salaries far exceed these award backstop rates.

The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for all modern awards, updated annually after the wage review. For most workers, the relevant minimum is the rate in their award, not the national minimum.

Superannuation and other benefits

In addition to salary, Victoria Police officers receive superannuation contributions. The employer pays the super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2025) on top of ordinary time earnings. Police are members of the Emergency Services Super Fund, and contributions can be salary packaged. Other benefits include five weeks recreation leave, an additional two weeks in lieu of public holidays, 10 days accrued time off, and 15 days personal/carer leave per year. Shift penalties and overtime may also apply.

Comparison with average earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. While Victoria Police salaries are above the minimum, they are below this national average. However, police also receive allowances, penalty rates, and superannuation that add to total remuneration.

Key takeaway

The "vic police salary" is not set by the national minimum wage or a modern award. It is a negotiated salary under a specific enterprise agreement, which provides rates well above the legal floor. For most employees, the relevant pay floor is either the national minimum wage (if award-free and agreement-free) or the minimum rate in their applicable modern award. Always check your award or agreement to ensure you are receiving the correct pay.

For more information, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.