Police Officer I pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000542
- Class code
- 32000542
- Pay group
- SW04
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Police Officer I is $45,506 to $72,811 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000542.
- 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 04/2022.
What the state says the job is
This is law enforcement work performed at North Carolina state building and grounds. Employees investigate and enforce a variety of criminal and traffic cases, including crimes against persons and property and motor vehicle violations. Work involves enforcing state laws and regulations within jurisdictional boundaries and responding to calls for assistance in the state government complex. Investigates criminal offenses involving state property, state employees, or visitors to state property. Interviews persons to obtain information pertaining to crime scene. Checks buildings during non-working hours and at night to ensure security of property and equipment. Completes investigative reports pertaining to criminal acts reported in or around state buildings and property, and interviews victims and witnesses. May arrest suspects in connection with crimes or violations of law.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Working knowledge of investigative techniques and case preparation requirements for standard traffic and criminal cases. Working knowledge of and skill in standard law enforcement equipment, its care and safe use according to Departmental Policy. Working knowledge of criminal and traffic laws. Working knowledge of the laws relating to the rights of suspects, search, and seizure, maintaining the chain of evidence and arrest authority. Ability to act quickly and intelligently in emergency situations. Ability to communicate effectively through interpersonal interactions and written documentation. Ability to apply North Carolina laws to investigations.
Minimum qualifications
High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
Special requirements
Must complete all requirements for an NC Probationary Law Enforcement Certification, including completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission within one year of employment. Must be at least 20 years of age. Possession of a valid NC Driver's License. <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
Police Officer I in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $5,283 | $7,395 | $63,396 to $88,740 |
| Illinois | $68,436 | $103,092 | $68,436 to $103,092 |
| Maryland | $55,488 | $90,903 | $55,488 to $90,903 |
| Oklahoma | $27,320 | $86,638 | $27,320 to $86,638 |
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.