Police Officer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 22K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$59,300
$28.51/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-20.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $80K
22K employed in North Carolina
The median Police Officer salary in North Carolina is $59,300 per year, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This median figure is 20.1% lower than the national average for police officers. With over 22,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant sector within North Carolina's public safety workforce.
Several factors influence the Police Officer salary in North Carolina. Experience level is a primary driver, with entry-level positions typically starting closer to the lower end of the $46,040 to $80,240 range, while seasoned officers can earn towards the higher end. Location within the state, specific departmental budgets, and additional responsibilities or specialized units can also contribute to variations in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,040 |
| 25th percentile | $49,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,300 |
| 75th percentile | $72,700 |
| 90th percentile | $80,240 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,079 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,300 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,079 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $80,240 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Police Officer ($59,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in NC | $37,940 | -36.0% | $18.24/hr |
| Security Guard in NC | $35,010 | -41.0% | $16.83/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in NC | $58,710 | -1.0% | $28.23/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in NC | $60,120 | +1.4% | $28.90/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | -1.4% | $28.10/hr |
| Social Worker in NC | $58,210 | -1.8% | $27.99/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | -2.8% | $27.72/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | -2.8% | $27.71/hr |
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | -3.0% | $27.64/hr |
| Interior Designer in NC | $61,400 | +3.5% | $29.52/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +3.6% | $29.53/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in NC | $61,430 | +3.6% | $29.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for a Police Officer generally falls between $46,040 and $80,240 annually. The median salary, representing the midpoint, is $59,300 per year.
How does the Police Officer salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in North Carolina are 20.1% lower than the national average. This means that on average, officers in North Carolina earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in North Carolina?
- Based on the median annual salary of $59,300, a Police Officer in North Carolina can expect to earn approximately $29 per hour. This hourly rate is a useful metric for understanding day-to-day earnings.
How many Police Officers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are a significant number of law enforcement professionals in the state, with a total of 22,370 Police Officers employed in North Carolina. This indicates a robust presence of this profession within the state.