Police Officer Salary in North Carolina
Police Officer pay in North Carolina, explained
Police officers in North Carolina earn a median of $59,300 per year ($28.51 per hour), which is 22% below the national median of $76,210. Entry-level workers earn around $46,040, while the most experienced police officers reach about $80,240. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $59,300 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $59,300 is worth about $62,867 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #45 for real pay (vs #42 on the sticker number).
Police Officer pay by experience in North Carolina
Police Officer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $59,300 | $62,867 | — |
| Virginia | $65,870 | $65,151 | −$6,570 |
| Tennessee | $59,280 | $64,526 | +$20 |
| Georgia | $58,120 | $60,357 | +$1,180 |
| South Carolina | $58,070 | $61,942 | +$1,230 |
Police Officer in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do police officers make in North Carolina?
Police officers in North Carolina earn a median of $59,300 per year ($28.51 per hour), compared with $76,210 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay police officers well?
At $59,300, North Carolina pays 22% below the national median for police officers. An estimated 22,370 work in the state.