How the role structure works
Development pay normally applies while someone is working towards competence in the role. The competent point applies once the service's assessment and development requirements are met. Moving into a new role can place someone on a new development point.
Watch, station, group and area manager tables include A and B competent points. Which point applies depends on the job and local role evaluation; a title alone is not enough to assume the higher point.
Why your salary may not equal the table
The NJC table is basic pay. A flexible-duty allowance, CPD payment, local market supplement, temporary promotion or other contractual payment can sit on top. Part-time pay is normally pro-rated, while on-call pay uses the retained-duty structure.
Control-specific roles are nationally set at 95% of the corresponding firefighting role in the 2026 circular. Non-operational staff can sit on different local authority grades.
Use the right figure in a calculator
For take-home pay, begin with your actual annual basic salary shown on your contract or payslip. Add only recurring pensionable allowances if you want a steady-state estimate. Treat irregular overtime separately so it does not inflate the baseline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the competent firefighter salary?
The national competent firefighter salary is £40,358 from 1 July 2026.
Do all UK services pay exactly the same?
The NJC table is the national baseline used across Grey Book roles, but local contracts and allowances can change actual earnings.