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We invest in you.

Salary & Benefits

Beyond competitive salaries and benefits, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) provides officers with leadership opportunities and comprehensive training to increase their earning potential. CMPD invests in its recruits, and pays officers-in-training a full-time salary while they attend the academy. With 13 different divisions and specialized positions, CMPD offers exceptional room for growth.

Learn more about our minimum standards, frequently asked questions and application process.

Pay

Entry-level pay starts at $65,478 (as of 7/4/2026).
- Pay incentive for associate degree or qualifying military service (+5%, $68,751)
- Pay incentive for bachelor’s degree or qualifying military service + associate degree (+10%, $72,025).
Officers earn up to $125,010.
Average base pay for a full-time Police Officer is $90,416.75.
Weekly paycheck.

Estimate Your CMPD Salary

Use our salary calculator to see how education, military service, experience and eligible incentives may affect your estimated CMPD pay.

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PAID TIME OFF

20 to 30 vacation days per year.
12 sick days per year.
2 weeks leave for annual training for reservists/National Guard.
6 weeks paid parental leave.

PAY INCENTIVE

5% pay incentive for proficiency in one of 15 different languages.
- Incentive only applies to employees who test and qualify based on our required scores.
- Summer testing only (must have graduated from the academy prior to test dates).
5% pay incentive for police training officer status (based on selection process).
5% pay incentive for qualifying military experience.
2.5% shift differential pay incentive for officers permanently assigned to second or third shift.
$2,500 one-time payment (paid in two installments) for officers and sergeants who live within the CMPD jurisdiction for at least six (6) continuous months.
Public Safety Pay Plan (Step Plan) for FY27 – there will be no step increases due to the 10% market adjustment effective 7/4/2026.
$1,300 in annual employer contributions to a Retiree Health Reimbursement Plan.
Officers and Sergeants who live within the CMPD jurisdiction and meet annual work performance expectations are eligible to participate in the take-home car program.
Uniforms and equipment provided.

EDUCATION

Education tuition reimbursement program.
Tuition prepayment program.

BENEFITS

Veterans may be eligible to receive VA benefits and supplements.
Basic life insurance for all regular employees that is equal to two times base earnings (rounded to the next higher $1,000, up to $500,000).
Various medical benefit plans to choose from, including health savings accounts, which can be used for future retiree medical expenses.
401(k) — 5% of salary contributed for sworn personnel.
Eligible for full retirement benefits from the city and state after 30 years of credible service or at age 55. Sworn employees contribute 6% to Local Government Employees’ Retirement System.

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Our Stories

Their stories are every bit as diverse as our community. Learn more about the team members of CMPD.

Every day, they’re working together, and with our citizens, to make Charlotte a better and safer place for all.

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You invest in your career. We invest in you.