SalaryNode

Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Wilmington, NC

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $54,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $63,300, suggesting that local economic factors and potentially regional demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for this vital public service role within the city.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $54,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,050.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,050 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, Wilmington, NC demonstrates a solid presence in this profession. The location quotient of 1.29 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable or potentially growing demand for patrol officers within the Wilmington area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$54,910

The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Wilmington, NC earns-13.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.4

Weekly

$1,056

Monthly

$4,576

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC

Career progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Wilmington, NC, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior officers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$47,040$22.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$41,183$19.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$53,600$25.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$68,638$33
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$74,050$35.6

Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$54,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,910

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $54,910 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a patrol officer's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

1,050

Total Jobs

5.594

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers roles compared to the national norm.

Wilmington, NC, presents a market with a location quotient of 1.29 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, signifying a concentration of these jobs that is 29% higher than the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively robust and potentially more competitive or abundant for these professionals compared to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Wilmington, NC?

The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Wilmington, NC is $54,910. This typically ranges from $47,040 for entry-level positions to $74,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 13.3% lower than the national median of $63,300.

Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?

No, but the cost of living is average.While the average salary of $54,910 is below the national average, the cost of living in Wilmington, NC, is exactly at the national average. This means your earnings will have average purchasing power locally.

Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?

The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($52,850) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.

How does Wilmington's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Wilmington, NC, is $54,910, which is lower than the national average of $63,300.

What is the concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Wilmington, NC?

Wilmington, NC has a location quotient of 1.29 for this role, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Wilmington affect the salary?

Wilmington's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $54,910 salary has average purchasing power locally.

How many Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers work in Wilmington, NC?

There are approximately 1,050 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed in Wilmington, NC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 5.594 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.