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Police Officer Salary in Raleigh, NC

How much does a police officer make in Raleigh? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living.

Median Salary
$65,800
per year in Raleigh
Entry Level
$40,641
Starting salary
Senior Level
$91,926
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how police officer salaries break down across different pay periods in Raleigh.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$40,641$65,800$91,926
Monthly$3,387$5,483$7,661
Biweekly$1,563$2,531$3,536
Weekly$782$1,265$1,768
Hourly$20$32$44

Raleigh vs National Average

How Raleigh's police officer salaries compare to national figures.

Raleigh Salary
$65,800
COL Index: 113
National Average
$76,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,200
Lower in Raleigh

Cost of Living in Raleigh

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
467,665
residents
Rent % of Income
32.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Raleigh have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Police Officer

Overview

Protect public safety and enforce laws.

Education

High school diploma; police academy training required

Key Skills

Law EnforcementCrisis ManagementCommunicationPhysical Fitness

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Police Officer Salary

See Police Officer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,790
+61%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,630
+76%
Chicago, IL
$108,890
+65%
Houston, TX
$75,450
+15%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,600
+39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Police Officer Salary in Raleigh, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a police officer in Raleigh, NC is $65,800 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Raleigh's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level police officer professionals in Raleigh can expect to earn around $40,641 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $91,926 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Raleigh's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Raleigh are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a police officer's salary in Raleigh typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 31.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Police Officers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Raleigh, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.