Police Officer Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $27.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Carrboro, NC runs $27.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,135 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, NC, the police officer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $27.35 in 2026, substantially lower than the national median of $37.76. This hourly wage reflects the financial landscape for officers working in various roles, from patrolling neighborhoods in marked vehicles to handling reports at police stations or providing testimony in courts. For part-time officers, typically working three days a week, this translates to an income significantly less than full-time counterparts, making it essential for them to consider their budgets and the implications on their livelihoods. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $17.09 per hour, while experienced officers may earn up to $38.02, showcasing a wide range of compensation for personnel with varied levels of experience and specialization.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.09 | $136.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.75 | $181.96 |
| Median (P50) | $27.35 | $218.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.58 | $268.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.02 | $304.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $27.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.35/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $56,892 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,823. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.08 | $4,741 | $56,892 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.45 | $2,845 | $34,135 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.63 | $1,896 | $22,757 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Carrboro) | $27.35 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $28.13 |
| Detective / Criminal Investigator (National Avg) | $45.86 |
| Correctional Officer (National Avg) | $25.24 |
| Security Guard (National Avg) | $17.32 |
Police Officers in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $56,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.58% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $60,321.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.35/hr = $34,135/year (purchasing power: $36,469).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,892/year (purchasing power: $60,782).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Carrboro grew 20.7% from $21.99/hr (2019) to $26.54/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.19/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem police officers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Police Officer in Carrboro
Analyzing the potential for part-time officers in Carrboro uncovers important income realities. A police officer working a standard schedule of 24 hours per week may take home significantly less than full-time counterparts, leading to financial uncertainties. Additionally, per diem police officer pay in Carrboro can fluctuate based on assignments, with overtime often raising earnings substantially—sometimes as much as 50% due to court appearances or special assignments. The city’s municipal police department may offer benefits that increase overall earnings, while private contractors or federal agencies might present higher hourly rates but lack extensive health coverage. Officers often navigate this trade-off as they decide whether to prioritize higher pay or benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate effectively, especially with various employer types in Carrboro, requires understanding the market dynamics and knowing when to seek roles that pay more for similar responsibilities without the associated benefits.
More salary data for Carrboro, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for police officers in Carrboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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