Raleigh vs Wilmington: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,875▲ | $55,158 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.63▲ | $26.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,322▲ | $47,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,610▲ | $49,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,480▲ | $61,578 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,345▲ | $74,780 |
| Total Employed | 2,430▲ | 1,210 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $12,717 (23.06%). 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 Raleigh spans $26,023,Wilmington spans $26,806. Wilmington 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, Raleigh ($69,149 effective) pays 20.88% 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 Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,875/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,345)
- ✓Larger job market (2,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,149)
- ✓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 Raleigh grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$49,910 (2019) → $65,860 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$44,800 (2019) → $53,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
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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