Garner vs Greensboro: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Garner, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garner, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,897 | $62,691▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.84 | $30.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,520 | $52,344▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,442 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,108 | $84,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,148▲ | $84,045 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,700▲ |
Verdict
Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Garner.
The salary gap between Garner and Greensboro is $4,794 (8.28%). 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 Garner spans $48,628,Greensboro spans $31,701. Garner 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, Greensboro ($67,508 effective) pays 9.14% more than Garner ($61,856 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garner if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,148)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,691/year)
- ✓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 Garner grew 20.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Garner, NC
$46,693 (2024) → $56,178 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$47,400 (2019) → $60,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garner, NC
Greensboro, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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