North Carolina ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for police and sheriff's patrol officers pay, trailing top-paying California ($115,400) by $57,370 — a 99% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $44,850 to $80,920 — a $36,070 spread, 47% tighter than the national $67,640 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.2% of all police and sheriff's patrol officers in the country (21,650 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,850 | $21.56 |
| 25th percentile | $49,160 | $23.64 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,030 | $27.90 |
| 75th percentile | $68,570 | $32.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,920 | $38.90 |
| Mean (average) | $60,520 | $29.10 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $58,030 | n/a |
| California | $115,400 | +99% |
| Washington | $102,640 | +77% |
| Illinois | $101,530 | +75% |
| Alaska | $100,300 | +73% |
| Colorado | $96,100 | +66% |
| New York | $93,050 | +60% |
| Hawaii | $89,390 | +54% |
| New Jersey | $89,030 | +53% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $58,050 | 1,580 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $58,000 | 2,060 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $57,660 | 13,960 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $57,440 | 2,590 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $58,660 | 21,730 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $57,380 | 3,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in North Carolina?
The mean police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in North Carolina is $60,520 per year. The median (middle) salary is $58,030 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in North Carolina?
Entry-level police and sheriff's patrol officerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $44,850 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $49,160 per year.
What is the highest Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $80,920 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $68,570 per year.
How does the North Carolina Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary compare to the national average?
The median police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in North Carolina is $58,030, which is -24% below national average of $76,290.