By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 5, 2026
Find Criminal Justice Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
Criminal justice salaries in North Carolina
North Carolina’s combination of diverse career opportunities, competitive salaries, strong educational infrastructure, supportive professional associations, economic stability and high quality of life make it an excellent state for criminal justice careers.
North Carolina offers a wide range of opportunities in the criminal justice field, including:
- State and local law enforcement: Numerous police departments in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham provide a variety of roles and career advancement opportunities.
- Federal agencies: Presence of federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA and ATF in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.
- Corrections: The North Carolina Department of Public Safety operates numerous correctional facilities, providing ample job opportunities in corrections.
- Legal and paralegal roles: A strong legal industry with numerous law firms and legal departments offering positions for paralegals and legal assistants.
- Private security and investigation: A growing private security and investigation sector due to increasing demand for private security services.
Let’s delve into the salaries for different criminal justice careers using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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There are 21,300 people employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers in North Carolina says the BLS. This means for every 1,000 people, 4.4 are police or sheriff’s officers. The median wage per hour is $28 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 3.1%.
North Carolina has a strong and growing economy with significant investments in technology, finance and education sectors. This growth supports the expansion of public safety and criminal justice services. The state has adequate state and local government funding for public safety initiatives, leading to better salaries and resources for criminal justice professionals.
Additionally, North Carolina offers a promising quality of life and is the 9th fastest growing state in the U.S. (1.2% growth in 2024) says Data Pandas. Reasons for this positive uptick include:
- Affordability: Lower housing costs, affordable healthcare and overall cost of living.
- Natural beauty and recreation: Access to mountains, beaches and numerous outdoor activities enhance the quality of life for residents.
- Community and culture: Strong community support and cultural activities help provide a balanced lifestyle.
Here are five top employers for criminal justice careers in North Carolina:
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), Charlotte, NC:
- The CMPD is one of the largest police departments in North Carolina, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and specialization in areas such as criminal investigations, cybercrime, community policing and more.
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), Raleigh, NC:
- NCDPS manages state prisons, juvenile justice facilities and probation/parole services. It provides a wide range of career opportunities for correctional officers, probation officers and administrative roles within the criminal justice system.
- North Carolina Office of the Attorney General, Raleigh, NC:
- The Attorney General’s Office offers careers for attorneys, investigators and support staff. This includes roles in criminal prosecution, consumer protection and specialized units such as environmental crimes and cybercrime.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, Charlotte, NC:
- The FBI’s Charlotte Division handles a variety of federal investigations, including counterterrorism, cybercrime, public corruption and organized crime. It provides opportunities for special agents, intelligence analysts and professional staff.
- Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh, NC:
- Serving the Raleigh area, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office offers careers in law enforcement, detention and court services. It also includes specialized units such as K-9, SWAT, and community outreach programs.
Criminal justice salary statistics for NC
Criminal justice—a category that includes careers in cyber security, local and federal law enforcement, legal professions, emergency management, forensics, investigations and corrections—besides being a diverse career field, also offers a diverse array of salaries. Pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned, and your level of education. Some career fields are affected by state government, some are regulated by federal government or unions. Here are median annual salaries for different careers under the criminal justice umbrella.
Salaries for different criminal justice roles (national median)
Salaries for criminal justice roles in North Carolina
You can see the median national salaries for criminal justice career fields above, but what are the salary averages and medians specific to North Carolina? Take a look:
- Correctional officer:
- The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in North Carolina is around $49,080 per year, although this can vary depending on experience, type of facility and level of responsibility.
- Forensic science technician:
- Forensic science technicians in North Carolina earn a median salary of approximately $50,460 annually. Positions in often require specialized education and training in forensic science.
- Law enforcement officer:
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $58,030 per year. However, this can vary based on factors such as rank, experience and department size and whether the office is local or state regulated.
- Private investigator:
- Private detectives and investigators in North Carolina earn a median salary of approximately $55,190 per year. However, earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as specialization, skills, where you work and clientele.
- Paralegal:
- Paralegals and legal assistants in North Carolina typically earn around $49,390 annually. Their duties may include conducting legal research, drafting documents and assisting lawyers in preparing for trials and pay can vary depending upon law firm size, area of specialty and location.
Median criminal justice salary in North Carolina
The median annual salary for police and sheriffs in North Carolina is $58,030. Even with its regional offices for the FBI, DEA and ATF in state, NC does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S. for police and sheriffs. However, it’s important to note that individual salaries may be based on experience, education and location within the state. Here are median salaries for cities within North Carolina as well as state-wide salary ranges.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$44,850
25%$49,160
50%$58,030Median
75%$68,570
90%$80,920
Median Hourly Wage$28
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment21,650
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $65,800 | $50,070 | $80,990 |
| Burlington, NC | $65,440 | $55,730 | $83,310 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $65,230 | $49,300 | $89,010 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $60,160 | $48,290 | $80,650 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $59,840 | $47,980 | $76,660 |
| Greenville, NC | $56,840 | $45,330 | $70,840 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $55,840 | $40,040 | $80,240 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $54,990 | $43,990 | $83,550 |
| Asheville, NC | $54,270 | $45,680 | $78,620 |
| Wilmington, NC | $53,600 | $47,040 | $74,050 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for criminal justice careers in North Carolina
The salary range for police and sheriffs in North Carolina typically spans from $44,850 to $80,920 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, rank, whether a degree has been earned and time in the position.
Pay by metro area for criminal justice careers in NC
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, such as Charlotte or Raleigh, which have federal, and state agencies, pay may be more competitive. Pay may also be more competitive because cities could have a higher cost of living and employers are willing to pay more to keep talent. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. for different criminal justice career fields:
Police and sheriffs
As you can see, California pays highest across the board and North Carolina has no cities or metro areas in the BLS’s top five metro areas for pay or highest employment of police officers.
Paralegals and legal assistants
North Carolina has no metro areas that rank in the top five for pay according to the BLS.
Private investigators
North Carolina’s Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area ranks at #3 for top paying metro areas for detectives and private investigators.
Salary growth and job outlook
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers have a 3.1% job growth rate predicted through 2034 says the BLS. This is just slightly higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other criminal justice career job growth rates are as follows:
| Criminal justice career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2034 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 0.2% |
| Corrections officers | -7.8% |
| Information security analysts | 28.5% |
| Private investigators | 6% |
| Forensic science technicians | 12.8% |
| Emergency management directors | 3% |
What affects your salary in North Carolina?
Earnings in criminal justice careers in North Carolina are influenced by several factors, some of which are specific to the state. Here’s an overview of these factors:
- Cost of living:
- The cost of living can vary significantly within North Carolina. Urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham typically have a higher cost of living compared to rural areas, leading to higher salaries in these cities to compensate.
- State and local budgets:
- The overall economic health of North Carolina impacts funding for public safety and criminal justice sectors. A robust economy can lead to better salaries and benefits as more resources are allocated to these sectors. State and local tax revenues fund many criminal justice positions. Higher revenues can support higher salaries and better resources.
- Education:
- Higher educational attainment (such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree) and specialized training can lead to higher salaries. North Carolina’s emphasis on professional development and education impacts earning potential. Certain professional certifications or advanced training may lead to higher pay.
- Experience and rank:
- More experience typically leads to higher pay. Many criminal justice careers have structured pay scales that increase with years of service. Advancing in rank, such as from officer to sergeant to lieutenant, may bring higher salaries.
- Government policy:
- State and local government policies and budget priorities affect funding for criminal justice departments, influencing salaries, hiring and resources. In some cases, unions representing law enforcement, corrections and other criminal justice professionals negotiate salaries and benefits, impacting earnings.
- Employer type:
- Public sector jobs—including state, county and municipal government positions—often have different pay scales compared to private sector jobs and federal agencies located in North Carolina, such as the FBI or DEA, often offer higher salaries compared to state or local agencies due to federal pay scales and benefits.
- Economic growth and development:
- Areas experiencing economic growth and development may see increased funding for public services, including criminal justice, leading to higher salaries. Low unemployment rates can create competition for jobs, potentially driving up salaries as employers compete for qualified candidates.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in North Carolina?
Fair pay in North Carolina takes into account the cost of living, industry standards, your experience and education, job responsibilities and market demand. By researching salary data, consulting professional associations, reviewing job listings and networking with peers, you can determine if your pay is fair and on par with others in your field. If discrepancies arise, you can take informed steps to address them.
Here’s how you can assess whether your pay is fair and on par with others in similar roles:
Factors that constitute fair pay
- Cost of living: Fair pay should reflect the cost of living in your specific area. Higher costs in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh generally necessitate higher salaries compared to rural areas.
- Industry standards: Your salary should be in line with industry standards for your specific job role, experience level and qualifications.
- Experience and education: Compensation should account for your level of experience, education and any specialized training or certifications.
- Job responsibilities: Pay should correlate with the complexity and scope of your job responsibilities. More demanding roles typically command higher salaries.
- Market demand: High-demand positions or those experiencing shortages of qualified professionals often offer higher pay.
- Benefits and perks: Consider the total compensation package, including health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off and other perks.
How to determine if your pay is fair
Research salary data by using:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS website provides detailed salary data for various occupations, including criminal justice roles, broken down by state and metropolitan areas.
- Online salary databases: Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale and Indeed offer salary insights based on user-reported data. These platforms can provide a benchmark for your specific role and location.
State and local government resources:
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources: This office provides salary ranges for state-employed positions, which can be a helpful benchmark.
- Local government websites: Many counties and cities publish salary information for their employees, especially in public safety roles.
- Professional associations: Associations like the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police (NCACP) or the North Carolina Paralegal Association (NCPA) may provide salary surveys and reports for their members.
- Job boards and listings: Review current job postings for similar positions in your area to see the salary ranges being offered. This can give you a sense of what the market is currently paying for your role.
- Union agreements and contracts: If you are part of a union, review the collective bargaining agreements which outline negotiated pay scales and benefits for various roles.
Steps to Take if You Find Discrepancies
- Document your findings: Gather data from various sources to support your case. Having concrete numbers and comparisons can strengthen your position.
- Speak to your employer: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR department to discuss your compensation. Present your research and explain why you believe an adjustment is warranted.
- Consider additional training or certification: Sometimes, gaining additional qualifications can justify a higher salary.
- Explore new opportunities: If your employer is unwilling to adjust your pay and you believe you are underpaid, consider looking for new opportunities that offer better compensation.
Example Scenario
For instance, if you are a police officer in Raleigh, you can:
- Check the BLS for average police officer salaries in North Carolina.
- Look at the Raleigh city website for specific salary ranges.
- Compare with job listings on Glassdoor or Indeed.
- Consult with the NCACP for any salary reports.
- Network with other officers in nearby cities or within your department.
By comparing this data, you can determine if your salary aligns with regional standards and take appropriate action if it doesn’t.
Education and training
North Carolina offers a range of educational pathways for criminal justice careers, from police officers and paralegals to correctional officers and private investigators. Institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University and Campbell University provide excellent programs in criminal justice and legal education. These programs equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and credentials to succeed in their chosen careers within the criminal justice field.
Here are basic education requirements for select criminal justice careers in North Carolina:
Correctional officers
Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
Preferred education: Some positions may require or prefer some college coursework or an associate degree in criminal justice.
Training: Completion of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Correctional Officer Training Program.
Additional requirements: Background checks, physical fitness tests and psychological evaluations.
Law enforcement officers
Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
Preferred education: Some departments prefer or require an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Training: Completion of a Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program approved by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
Additional requirements: Pass physical fitness tests, written exams, background checks and psychological evaluations.
Paralegals
Minimum education: Associate degree in paralegal studies or a related field.
Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field is often preferred.
Certification: Certification from a recognized organization like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Bar Association (ABA) can enhance job prospects.
Training: On-the-job training and continuing legal education to stay updated with legal procedures and technologies.
Private investigators
Minimum education: High school diploma or GED.
Preferred education: Some college coursework or a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field.
Licensing: Licensure is required in North Carolina, which includes passing an exam and meeting experience requirements (typically five years of investigative experience or equivalent).
Training: On-the-job training and continuing education.
Cost of living considerations in North Carolina
When evaluating criminal justice salaries in different areas of Virginia, it’s important to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, healthcare, utilities and other day-to-day expenses can vary across cities or regions. Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with local expenses and may help you make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
Cost of living overview:
Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina is slightly below the national average. Housing costs are a significant factor in this, as they are generally more affordable than in many other states. Lower taxes and relatively affordable healthcare also contribute to the state’s lower overall cost of living. North Carolina offers quality public services, including education and public safety, contributing positively to the overall quality of life. RentCafe says North Carolina is 5% lower than the national average as far as cost of living.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
Only Chapel Hill lists a higher than the national average cost of living at 4% higher, with Durham registering right at the national average cost of living mark.
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
Fortunately, North Carolina has several cities that rest under the national average but require criminal justice skills and expertise due to being agency hubs. Some of these cities include Raleigh (2% lower), Charlotte (3% lower), Winston-Salem (6% lower) and Greenville (2% lower).
NC professional associations and networking
These associations provide valuable resources, support and professional development opportunities for individuals in various criminal justice careers in North Carolina, helping to enhance their skills, knowledge and networking capabilities.
North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police (NCACP): The NCACP provides leadership, advocacy, training and networking opportunities for police chiefs and law enforcement executives throughout North Carolina. It focuses on enhancing the professional development of its members and promoting best practices in policing.
North Carolina Paralegal Association (NCPA): The NCPA supports the professional advancement of paralegals in North Carolina by offering continuing legal education, networking opportunities, resources and advocacy. It aims to enhance the skills and professionalism of paralegals across the state.
North Carolina Correctional Association (NCCA): The NCCA supports corrections professionals by providing training, resources and advocacy to improve correctional practices and enhance the professionalism of those working in the corrections field. It also offers networking opportunities and professional development.
North Carolina Association of Private Investigators (NCAPI): The NCAPI represents licensed private investigators in North Carolina, offering members education, legislative advocacy and networking opportunities. It aims to advance the profession and maintain high ethical standards among private investigators.
This salary guide for North Carolina aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many career fields under the criminal justice umbrella. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.