State guide · police pay scales
North Carolina police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In North Carolina, median starting base pay is $62,338 across 3 departments and median top-step pay is $92,290 across 3, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $62,338 (median of 3 departments). Top step: $92,290 (median of 3 departments).
North Carolina departments compared
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| Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Limited data | City police | $59,502 | $96,703 | Not in our data | FY 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State Highway Patrol | State police | $63,250 | $92,290 | 6 | FY 2026-27 |
| Raleigh Police Department | City police | $62,338 | $72,268 | Not in our data | FY 2027 |
North Carolina: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department | $59,502 | $96,703 |
| North Carolina State Highway Patrol | $63,250 | $92,290 |
| Raleigh Police Department | $62,338 | $72,268 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, median starting base pay is $62,338 across 3 departments and median top-step pay is $92,290 across 3, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which North Carolina police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has the highest top-step base pay at $96,703.
What does the federal wage survey say about North Carolina police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in North Carolina at $59,300. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- City of Charlotte Adopted FY 2026 Budget in Brief · Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
- NCSHP Careers - Hiring Salary rates for 2026-2027 · North Carolina State Highway Patrol
- City of Raleigh RPD Benefits and Salary; Police Officer Recruit posting 2026-00628 · Raleigh Police Department
- Raleigh Police Department: official source page · Raleigh Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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