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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$59,300
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.2% vs 2024
$61,390
Mean Salary
$59,300
Median Salary
$28.51
Hourly Rate
22,370 people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary by percentile in North Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $46,040$46,04025th25% earn less than $49,460$49,460MedianHalf earn more than $59,300$59,30075th75% earn less than $72,700$72,70090thTop 10% earn more than $80,240$80,240

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $59,300 per year ($4,941/month). This is 20.1% below the national average of $74,181. North Carolina ranks #42 out of 51 states for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay. Approximately 22,370 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Social Perceptiveness
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.83
Law and Government
4.82
English Language
4.26
Psychology
4.09
Customer and Personal Service
3.98
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (40.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina

Salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina range from $46,040 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $80,240 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $49,460 and $72,700.

Median $59,300
P10: $46,040 P25: $49,460 P75: $72,700 P90: $80,240
10th
$46,040
25th
$49,460
Median
$59,300
75th
$72,700
90th
$80,240
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $46,040 $22.13 $3,836
25th Percentile $49,460 $23.78 $4,121
Median (50th) $59,300 $28.51 $4,941
75th Percentile $72,700 $34.95 $6,058
90th Percentile (Experienced) $80,240 $38.58 $6,686

Note: The mean (average) salary of $61,390 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#42
North Carolina ranks #42 of 51 states
$74,181
National avg. for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
-20.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in North Carolina:

What does this salary really buy? See Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in North Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers take-home pay in North Carolina after taxes →

Explore Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Data in North Carolina

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary by State

Compare Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina is $59,300 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $61,390.
What is the salary range for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina?
Salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina range from $46,040 at the 10th percentile to $80,240 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $49,460 and $72,700.
What is the starting salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina?
Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions in North Carolina typically start around $46,040 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $49,460 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 22,370 people are employed as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina is approximately $28.51 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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