Police Officer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $56,579 (2026)

Police Officer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median police officer salary of $56,579, which is $3,948 below the North Carolina state average of $60,527. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $56,579 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Winston-Salem spans from $34,744 at the 10th percentile to $91,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,416 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,280. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,120

$-5,880 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,760

$-9,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$84,280

$-13,720 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$34,744	$37,168	$40,400
25th Percentile	$44,032	$47,104	$51,200
Median (50th)	$56,579	$60,527	$65,790
75th Percentile	$74,992	$80,224	$87,200
90th Percentile	$91,160	$97,520	$106,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$34,744

25th Percentile

$44,032

Median (50th)

$56,579

75th Percentile

$74,992

90th Percentile

$91,160

How to Become a Police Officer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Police Officer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median police officer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $34,744 (10th percentile) to $91,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,579, a police officer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for police officer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median police officer salary of $56,579 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $60,527. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $56,579 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most police officer positions in Winston-Salem require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Police Officer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina