Highway Patrol Colonel pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000493
- Class code
- 32000493
- Pay group
- HP11
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Highway Patrol Colonel is $109,515 to $197,127 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000493.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 06/2018.
What the state says the job is
This is administrative work in directing the state highway patrol. Position is responsible for the effective organization and administration of all highway patrol activities throughout the state. Work requires close familiarity with all phases of the highway safety program and involves responsibility for the enforcement of state motor vehicle laws, the protection of persons and property, and the maintenance of public order. All patrol personnel are subject to orders and directives of this position either directly or through subordinate supervisory personnel. Work is performed with considerable independence within the framework of policies established by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and controlling legislation.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Considerable knowledge of North Carolina and other state motor vehicle registration and title laws. Thorough knowledge of the provisions of the North Carolina Motor Vehicle Act. Thorough knowledge of established policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Highway Patrol. Ability to interpret and explain laws, rules, and departmental regulations. Ability to enforce provisions of laws with tact, firmness and impartiality. Ability to present information effectively in oral and written form. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative personnel, subordinate employees, and the general public.
Minimum qualifications
High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma, supplemented by formal training in modern police methods, procedures, administration, and scientific methods of crime detection and prevention, and extensive experience of a responsible nature in police work, including considerable experience in an administrative capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special requirements
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training and Standards Commission. <h2
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in North Carolina
Highway Patrol Colonel in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $29.14 | $101.62 | $60,611 to $211,370 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.