Police superintendent salary 2026/27
Superintending ranks pay from 1 September 2026, and why take-home grows more slowly at this level.
Pay points
| Rank and point | Salary | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|
| Superintendent, point 1 | £87,123 | £4,471 |
| Superintendent, point 2 | £91,545 | £4,654 |
| Superintendent, point 3 | £96,207 | £4,846 |
| Superintendent, point 4 | £102,480 | £5,104 |
| Chief Superintendent, point 1 | £107,430 | £5,308 |
| Chief Superintendent, point 2 | £110,979 | £5,455 |
| Chief Superintendent, point 3 | £119,838 | £5,773 |
Pension contributions come out before tax, which brings many superintendents back under £100,000 for tax purposes. Above that, you lose £1 of personal allowance for every £2 of income, an effective 60% tax rate. See our guide to the 60% tax trap.
What a superintendent does
Superintendents and chief superintendents are senior leaders. They head a local policing area, a large department such as public protection or major crime, or a force-wide function. They are the most senior ranks below chief officers.
Typical duties
- Setting priorities and managing budgets, people and performance across a large command.
- Leading as strategic or tactical commander at major incidents and events.
- Authorising powers that need a superintendent, such as extending detention without charge.
- Representing the force with councils, partners, the media and the police and crime commissioner.
How to get there
Promotion beyond inspector is run by each force, usually through an application, assessment and interview. Most superintendents have been chief inspectors first.
Pay and tax
At this level pay passes £100,000, where the personal allowance taper starts. Superintendents also get no overtime. They are represented by the Police Superintendents’ Association rather than the Police Federation.
Common questions
Do superintendents get overtime?
No. Superintending ranks are not paid overtime. Their pay reflects that they work the hours the job needs.
How much does a police superintendent earn?
£87,123 to £102,480 from 1 September 2026. Chief superintendents earn £107,430 to £119,838.