Greensboro vs Wilmington: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Greensboro, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greensboro, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,691▲ | $55,158 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15▲ | $26.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,344▲ | $47,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290▲ | $49,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,045▲ | $61,578 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,045▲ | $74,780 |
| Total Employed | 1,700▲ | 1,210 |
Verdict
Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Greensboro and Wilmington is $7,533 (13.66%). 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 Greensboro spans $31,701,Wilmington spans $26,806. Greensboro 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 18.01% more than Wilmington ($57,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Greensboro grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Greensboro, NC
$47,400 (2019) → $60,830 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$44,800 (2019) → $53,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greensboro, NC
Wilmington, 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