Gastonia vs Greensboro: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Gastonia, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gastonia, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,735▲ | $62,691 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.64▲ | $30.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,276 | $52,344▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,564 | $59,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,345 | $84,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,099▲ | $84,045 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,700▲ |
Verdict
Gastonia, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.
The salary gap between Gastonia and Greensboro is $1,044 (1.67%). Gastonia's median is -18.85% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gastonia spans $54,823,Greensboro spans $31,701. Gastonia 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, Gastonia ($68,093 effective) pays 0.87% more than Greensboro ($67,508 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gastonia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,735/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,099)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,093)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Gastonia grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Gastonia, NC
$47,158 (2024) → $61,843 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$47,400 (2019) → $60,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gastonia, 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