Police Officer Salary in Raleigh, NC — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living (index: 105). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Police Officer Salary in Raleigh — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Raleigh
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Raleigh
Raleigh has a metro population of 1,540,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Raleigh
Other Professions in Raleigh
Police Officer Salary — Other North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police Officer make in Raleigh, NC?
The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Raleigh is $75,894 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Raleigh's cost of living index (105). The typical salary range runs from $57,572 (25th percentile) to $102,501 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $130,935.
Is Raleigh affordable for a Police Officer?
On a $75,894 annual salary, a Police Officer in Raleigh would spend approximately 17.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,131/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Raleigh relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 5.0× the annual salary.
How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Raleigh's overall income?
Raleigh's median household income is $75,200. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $75,894 earns 0.9% more than the typical Raleigh household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.