Holly Springs vs Raleigh: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Holly Springs, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Holly Springs, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,235 | $67,875▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.00 | $32.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,544 | $57,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,828 | $59,610▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,353 | $78,480▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,101▲ | $83,345 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 2,430▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Holly Springs.
The salary gap between Holly Springs and Raleigh is $9,640 (16.55%). Raleigh's median is -13.58% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Holly Springs spans $46,557,Raleigh spans $26,023. Holly Springs 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, Raleigh ($69,149 effective) pays 11.14% more than Holly Springs ($62,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Holly Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,101)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,875/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,149)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Holly Springs grew 20.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Holly Springs, NC
$46,964 (2024) → $56,506 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$49,910 (2019) → $65,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Holly Springs, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Holly Springs or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Holly Springs and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Holly Springs to Raleigh as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Holly Springs vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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