How do I convert a police officer hourly rate to an annual salary?

Multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week (usually 38 for full-time) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $45 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $88,920 per year. This assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Use our [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion) tool for quick estimates.

What is the casual loading for police officers?

Police officers are typically employed under enterprise agreements, not awards, so casual loading may not apply. However, for award-covered roles, casual loading is 25% on top of the base rate. For example, the National Minimum Wage casual rate is $33.05 per hour (base $26.44 + 25%). See [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) for details.

How is tax calculated on a police officer salary?

Tax uses the 2026–27 resident rates: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Medicare levy is generally 2%. Super guarantee of 12% is paid on top of your salary. Use our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) calculator for an estimate.

Police Officer Salary: How to Convert Hourly Rates to Annual Pay and Understand Tax

A Victoria Police first constable earns $90,399 per year (plus allowances), which equates to roughly $45.77 per hour based on a 38-hour week.

Understanding the Police Officer Salary and Hourly Conversion

If you're considering a career in policing or comparing a job offer, you'll often see a police officer salary quoted as an annual figure. But what does that mean per hour? And how does it compare to the National Minimum Wage or award rates? This guide explains how to convert any hourly rate to annual pay, using police officer salaries as an example, and covers tax and superannuation.

The Basic Formula: Hourly × Hours × 52

The standard way to estimate annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

We assume a full-time week of 38 hours, which is the ordinary hours under most awards and the National Minimum Wage. For part-time or casual roles, adjust the hours accordingly. The fortnightly equivalent is simply the weekly amount multiplied by 2.

For example, if a police officer earns $45 per hour (a rate close to a Victoria Police first constable), the annual estimate is:

$45 × 38 × 52 = $88,920 per year

This is a rough estimate. Actual pay may include shift penalties, overtime, and allowances, which are not captured here. For a more precise calculation, use our the timesheet tool.

Police Officer Salary: Real Figures from Victoria Police

According to the Victoria Police website, salaries are set by enterprise agreement, not the award. As of their latest information:

Recruit (during training): $61,187 per year
Probationary Constable (after 12 weeks): $84,060 per year
First Constable (after Diploma): $90,399 per year

These are annual figures before allowances. To find the hourly rate, divide by 52 weeks and then by 38 hours:

First Constable: $90,399 ÷ 52 ÷ 38 ≈ $45.77 per hour

This is well above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026, per the Fair Work Ombudsman). Police officers also receive nine weeks of recreation leave, shift penalties, and superannuation through the Emergency Services Super Fund.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base rate, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

Police officers are typically covered by enterprise agreements, so award rates may not apply. However, if you're in a role covered by an award, check the relevant pay guides for exact rates.

Tax on Your Police Officer Salary

Once you have your annual gross, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001 and above: $51,370 plus 45% of excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (unless you qualify for an exemption or reduction). For a first constable earning $90,399, the tax would be approximately:

Tax on $90,399: $4,020 + 30% × ($90,399 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $13,619.70 = $17,639.70
Medicare levy: 2% × $90,399 = $1,807.98
Total tax and Medicare: $19,447.68

This leaves a take-home of about $70,951 per year, or $1,364 per week. Remember, this is an estimate; your actual tax may vary due to deductions, offsets, or salary packaging. Police officers can claim work-related deductions – see the ATO guide for police for details.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. For a $90,399 salary, that's an extra $10,847.88 per year into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Police officers in Victoria are members of the Emergency Services Super Fund, which may allow salary sacrificing.

Our super and packaging page explains how super interacts with your total remuneration.

Casual Loading and Other Considerations

If you're a casual employee (not typical for police officers but common in other roles), you receive a 25% loading instead of paid leave. For example, a casual earning the minimum wage would get $33.05 per hour. Our casual loading tool helps you compare.

Using Our Reference Tables

For quick conversions, see our reference tables with common hourly rates and their annual equivalents. You can also check the average pay for various occupations from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Summary

To convert a police officer salary or any hourly rate to annual:

Multiply hourly rate by hours per week (usually 38).
Multiply by 52 weeks.
Estimate tax using the resident scale and Medicare levy.
Add super at 12% on top (not included in the annual gross).

Remember, this is an estimate. For a personalised calculation, use our the timesheet tool. Always refer to official sources like the Fair Work Ombudsman for minimum rates and the Australian Taxation Office for tax obligations.