Durham vs Greensboro: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Durham, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,939 | $62,691▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.77 | $30.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,871 | $52,344▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,724 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,110 | $84,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,407 | $84,045▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040 | 1,700▲ |
Verdict
Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Greensboro is $752 (1.21%). Greensboro's median is -20.18% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $31,536,Greensboro spans $31,701. Greensboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($67,508 effective) pays 6.34% more than Durham ($63,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,691/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,045)
- ✓Larger job market (1,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,508)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Durham grew 23.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Durham, NC
$48,540 (2019) → $60,100 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$47,400 (2019) → $60,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Greensboro, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Durham or Greensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Greensboro?
Should I relocate from Durham to Greensboro as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Durham vs Greensboro?
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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