Public Service North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Police Officer Salary in North Carolina

The median police officer salary in North Carolina is $60,527 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $65,790.

Median Salary
$60,527
vs National
$-5,263
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Police Officer Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level police officer earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,160 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,160
$-7,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $37,168
25th Percentile $47,104
Median (50th) $60,527
75th Percentile $80,224
90th Percentile $97,520

Major Cities for Police Officers in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for police officers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Charlotte, NC
Metro area for police officer employment
Raleigh, NC
Metro area for police officer employment
Durham, NC
Metro area for police officer employment
Greensboro, NC
Metro area for police officer employment
Winston-Salem, NC
Metro area for police officer employment

How to Become a Police Officer in North Carolina

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.