Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| North Carolina | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $59,300 | $79,739 | -26% |
| Median hourly wage | $28.51 | $38.34 | -26% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $62,884.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Police Officer in North Carolina is $59,300, or about $28.51 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Police Officers is $79,739. North Carolina is -26% below the national median.
Entry-level police officers in North Carolina typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 22,370 police officer jobs on record and a median salary of $59,300, North Carolina offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.