Asheville vs Raleigh: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Asheville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,868 | $67,875▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.78 | $32.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,603 | $57,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,767 | $59,610▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,351 | $78,480▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,222 | $83,345▲ |
| Total Employed | 710 | 2,430▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Raleigh is $8,007 (13.37%). Raleigh's median is -13.58% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Asheville spans $32,619,Raleigh spans $26,023. Asheville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($69,149 effective) pays 11.47% more than Asheville ($62,036 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,875/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,345)
- ✓Larger job market (2,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,149)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Asheville grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$44,080 (2019) → $58,090 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$49,910 (2019) → $65,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Asheville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Asheville to Raleigh as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Asheville vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov