State police · North Carolina · FY 2026-27
North Carolina State Highway Patrol pay scale Trooper
A trooper with North Carolina State Highway Patrol starts at $63,250 and reaches $92,290 at top step (FY 2026-27).
Base pay only. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra. Effective 2026-07-01.
Key figures
- Academy pay
- $60,238
- Starting pay
- $63,250
- After probation
- Not in our data
- Top step
- $92,290
- Years to top
- 6 years
Annual figures as published.
Trooper step table
| Step | Years | Published rate | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation | — | $63,250 | $63,250 |
| 1 | — | $67,361 | $67,361 |
| 2 | — | $71,739 | $71,739 |
| 3 | — | $76,403 | $76,403 |
| 4 | — | $81,368 | $81,368 |
| 5 | — | $86,657 | $86,657 |
| 6+ | — | $92,290 | $92,290 |
Notes
Cadets in the traditional basic school earn $60,238 a year; hybrid-track cadets start at $51,852 and move to $60,238 when Basic Patrol School begins. Troopers earn $63,250 on graduation and step up each year to $92,290 at six years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper?
Base pay starts at $63,250 a year under the FY 2026-27 schedule, before overtime and incentives. Annual figures as published.
How much does a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper make at top step?
Top-step base pay is $92,290 a year, reached after about 6 years on the schedule. Longevity, overtime and incentive pay are extra.
Are North Carolina State Highway Patrol recruits paid during the academy?
Yes. The official source gives academy pay of $60,238 a year.
Sources and last checked
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