Police Officer Salary in North Carolina
Police Officers in North Carolina earn an average of $74,525 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$74,525
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.83
per hour
vs National
-0.5%
$74,910 national
Salary Range
$46,856
to $106,261
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$74,525
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$77,630
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Police Officer's salary of $74,525 has the purchasing power of $77,630 in an average-cost area.
Police Officer Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $75,574 | $36.33/hr | $47,681 | $107,764 | 676 |
| Charlotte, NC | $73,475 | $35.32/hr | $46,031 | $104,758 | 611 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Police Officer Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 1,287 Police Officers employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Police Officer Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$46,856
Starting salary for new Police Officers
Median (50th Percentile)
$74,525
Mid-career Police Officer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$106,261
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Police Officer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Police Officer salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in North Carolina?
The average Police Officer salary in North Carolina is $74,525 per year ($35.83/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.5% below the national average of $74,910.
What is the highest paying city for Police Officers in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Police Officers in North Carolina, with a median salary of $75,574 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $73,475.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in North Carolina?
Police Officer salaries in North Carolina range from $46,856 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $106,261 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $74,525 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.