Cary vs Charlotte: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,553▲ | $65,124 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.47▲ | $31.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,606 | $51,375▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,356 | $61,115▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,831▲ | $81,345 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,707▲ | $97,320 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 5,770▲ |
Verdict
Cary, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Cary and Charlotte is $2,429 (3.73%). Cary's median is -13.99% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $61,101,Charlotte spans $45,945. Cary 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, Cary ($72,172 effective) pays 7.88% more than Charlotte ($66,898 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,553/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,707)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,172)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Cary grew 34.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Cary, NC
$48,925 (2024) → $65,547 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$50,160 (2019) → $63,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Charlotte?
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What do entry-level police officers earn in Cary vs Charlotte?
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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