Police officers (sergeant and below) vs Social workers Salary (2025)

How do Police officers (sergeant and below) and Social workers salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Police officers (sergeant and below) earns £5,912 more per year (14% higher)
vs

Social workers

£42,709
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricPolice officers (sergeant and below)Social workersDifference
Median Annual£48,621£42,709+£5,912
Mean Annual£48,668£41,994+£6,674
Monthly£4,052£3,559+£493
Weekly£935£821+£114
Hourly£23.38£20.53+£2.85

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePolice officers (sergeant and below)Social workers
10th (Entry)£32,899£25,798
25th£37,006£36,474
50th (Median)£48,621£42,709
75th£55,452£48,804
90th (Senior)£65,893£53,902
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Police officers (sergeant and below) or a Social workers?
A Police officers (sergeant and below) earns more. The median salary for a Police officers (sergeant and below) is £48,621, whilst a Social workers earns £42,709 — a difference of £5,912 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Police officers (sergeant and below) and a Social workers?
The difference is £5,912 per year. Police officers (sergeant and below) is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Police officers (sergeant and below) or a Social workers?
From a salary perspective, Police officers (sergeant and below) offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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