Police community support officers Salary
Median salary £35,189 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £35,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For police community support officers, £35,748 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -8.0% versus the national average. Experienced police community support officers (top 25%) earn over £36,346.
About this role
Police community support officers (PCSOs) provide a visible, reassuring presence in communities, tackling anti-social behaviour, gathering intelligence, supporting police operations and building relationships between the police and the public they serve.
Key responsibilities
- Patrolling designated areas to provide visible community presence
- Tackling anti-social behaviour and low-level crime
- Gathering community intelligence and reporting to police officers
- Supporting victims and witnesses of crime
- Engaging with community groups and attending public meetings
Qualifications and entry routes
Police force recruitment processes. No specific qualifications are always required, though GCSEs or equivalent are expected. Force-specific training programmes are provided. Enhanced DBS and vetting checks are mandatory.
Career outlook
Funding-dependent — some forces have reduced PCSO numbers while others maintain investment. Many PCSOs progress to apply for police constable roles.
Key skills
Common industries
- Police forces
- British Transport Police
- Ministry of Defence Police
- Special constabulary
- Community safety partnerships
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£29,674
0-2 years
Mid Level
£29,674
3-7 years
Senior
£36,346
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +22% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 4.0%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£559
Police community support officers salary: common questions
How much do police community support officers earn in the UK?
Is £35,748 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for police community support officers?
Have police community support officers salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for police community support officers?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).