Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,875▲ | $62,548 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.63▲ | $30.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,322▲ | $36,278 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,610▲ | $45,822 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,480 | $80,061▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,345 | $96,950▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,430▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston-Salem.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $5,327 (8.52%). 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,Winston-Salem spans $60,672. Winston-Salem 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 3.48% more than Winston-Salem ($66,825 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)
- ✓Larger job market (2,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,149)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,950)
- ✓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 20.3% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$49,910 (2019) → $65,860 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$50,443 (2024) → $60,691 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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