Prison Officer Salary UK 2026
Prison officers employed by His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) start at £28,373, rising to £30,795 with a London weighting. Career progression to Custodial and Operational Manager levels can reach £60,000+.
Prison Officer Salary Pay Scale 2026
| Grade | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prison Officer (standard) | £28,373 – £33,000 | HMPPS national rate |
| Prison Officer (London) | £30,795 – £37,000 | London weighting applied |
| Custodial Manager Band 3 | £36,000 – £42,000 | Supervision of prison officer teams |
| Custodial Manager Band 4 | £40,000 – £48,000 | Operational management grade |
| Operational Manager | £48,000 – £62,000 | Senior establishment management |
| Governor / Senior Manager | £60,000 – £90,000+ | Establishment or regional leadership |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), NHS Agenda for Change 2026, sector salary surveys and advertised vacancy data. Figures are estimates; individual salaries vary.
About Prison Officer Salary Pay
Prison officers are employed by His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) across approximately 120 prisons in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own prison services with slightly different pay scales. The role involves supervising prisoners, maintaining security, supporting rehabilitation programmes, and managing vulnerable individuals in custody.
Prison officers receive several allowances beyond their basic salary. Unsocial hours allowance compensates for evening, night and weekend working. Officers at category A (high security) prisons or those working in specialist units may receive additional supplements. Prison officers also have access to one of the better public sector defined benefit pension schemes.
The prison officer role faces significant challenges — vacancy rates, high levels of staff assaults, and retention difficulties have affected many establishments. HMPPS has run targeted recruitment campaigns and retention bonuses at particularly difficult-to-staff prisons. New recruits complete an initial training programme at a Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) centre before taking up a posting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do prison officers earn in the UK?
Prison officers employed by HMPPS start at £28,373 per year (£30,795 with London weighting). With experience, prison officers earn £30,000–£36,000. Custodial Managers earn £36,000–£48,000. Operational Managers earn £48,000–£62,000. Governors and senior managers earn £60,000–£90,000+.
What allowances do prison officers receive?
Prison officers receive an unsocial hours allowance for evening, night and weekend working — typically adding £1,500–£3,500 per year to base salary. Additional supplements apply at category A (high security) prisons. London weighting adds approximately £2,400–£4,000 to base pay for those working in London establishments.
How does prison officer salary compare to police?
Police officers in England and Wales typically earn more than prison officers at equivalent career stages. A constable starts at approximately £29,682 (rising to £43,032) versus a prison officer's £28,373 start. However, both professions offer defined benefit pensions and similar allowances. The working environment, shift patterns and daily risks differ significantly between the two.