Police Chief Inspector Salary

£70,344 – £83,592
Effective 1 September 2025 — PRRB pay scales, England & Wales
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay

Chief Inspector Pay Progression (London / Outside London)

Pay PointOutside LondonMet / City
Pay Point 1 (on appointment)£70,344£79,650
Pay Point 2£71,715£81,015
Pay Point 3£73,149£82,443
In post 31 Aug 1994 (top)£74,310£83,592

The Chief Inspector is the highest federated rank — typically a departmental or Basic Command Unit (BCU) deputy commander, or the lead of a specialist function. Chief Inspectors often run operational departments and act as silver commanders for major incidents.

Promotion is by competitive process after a minimum of two years as Inspector. Selection requires demonstrated leadership and operational competence; some forces require a Strategic Command Course (SCC) preparation.

Chief Inspector has 4 pay points — the fourth ("In post 31 August 1994") is a historical preserved point for officers who held the rank when the new pay structure took effect; new Chief Inspectors typically progress through Points 1–3.

Like Inspector, Chief Inspector has a separate London pay scale (around £2,700 higher than outside-London) plus the £6,588 London Allowance on top for Met / City officers. Chief Inspectors typically don't receive overtime — they're the boundary at which federated overtime entitlement ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chief Inspector salary in 2025?
Outside London: £70,344 to £74,310 (top includes the preserved "in post 31 Aug 1994" rate). Met / City of London: £79,650 to £83,592 (bespoke London scale + £6,588 London Allowance).
Do Chief Inspectors get overtime?
Generally no — Chief Inspector is the rank where federated overtime entitlement typically ends. Some force-specific arrangements may apply for major-incident command, but most Chief Inspectors don't earn standard time-and-a-third overtime.
How long to be promoted to Chief Inspector?
Minimum two years as Inspector. Total service typically 12–20 years. Selection is competitive and increasingly involves Strategic Command Course preparation as officers position for Superintending ranks.
Is the "in post 31 Aug 1994" rate paid to new Chief Inspectors?
No. That rate is preserved only for officers who held Chief Inspector rank on 31 August 1994 when the modern pay structure took effect. New Chief Inspectors progress through Points 1, 2, 3 only.
What's the next step after Chief Inspector?
Superintendent — the start of the superintending ranks, with significantly higher pay (£84,177–£99,015) and broader command responsibility. Promotion is by competitive process with Senior Police National Assessment Centre (Senior PNAC) selection.

Police pay by rank

Constable Sergeant Inspector Chief Insp Chief Supt Detective

Topics

Met Police PPS Pension Overtime Acting Up 2026/27 Pay Scales Superintendent City of London Chief Officers