City police · North Carolina · FY 2027
Raleigh Police Department pay scale Police Officer · Raleigh
A police officer with Raleigh Police Department starts at $62,338 and reaches $72,268 at top step (FY 2027).
Base pay only. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra. Effective 2026-09-19.
Key figures
- Academy pay
- $62,338
- Starting pay
- $62,338
- After probation
- Not in our data
- Top step
- $72,268
- Years to top
- Not in our data
Annual pay range as published by the City of Raleigh.
Pay by rank
| Rank | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Officer | $68,919 | $102,008 |
| Police Detective | $72,370 | $107,083 |
| Police Sergeant | $88,711 | $124,236 |
Incentive pay
- Associate's degree: $660.00 annually
- Bachelor's degree: $1,320.00 annually
Shift, hiring and lateral pay
- Lateral officers
- One-time lateral incentive up to $5,000 ($2,500 or $5,000 by experience); lateral pay $64,209 to $81,948 by years of experience
Notes
Raleigh's new pay structure took effect September 19, 2026. Recruits earn the $62,338 starting salary while in the academy. Officers can advance to Senior Officer, whose range tops out at $102,008.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Raleigh Police Department police officer?
Base pay starts at $62,338 a year under the FY 2027 schedule, before overtime and incentives. Annual pay range as published by the City of Raleigh.
How much does a Raleigh Police Department police officer make at top step?
Top-step base pay is $72,268 a year. Longevity, overtime and incentive pay are extra.
Are Raleigh Police Department recruits paid during the academy?
Yes. The official source gives academy pay of $62,338 a year.
Does Raleigh Police Department hire lateral officers with a bonus?
One-time lateral incentive up to $5,000 ($2,500 or $5,000 by experience); lateral pay $64,209 to $81,948 by years of experience
Sources and last checked
- City of Raleigh RPD Benefits and Salary; Police Officer Recruit posting 2026-00628
- Raleigh Police Department pay schedule document
Last verified
Spot a wrong number? Report an error.
Same state