Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers will once again receive a raise when the City of Charlotte’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget goes into effect on Aug. 16.
The new starting salary for an officer is $59,502, representing a 1.5% increase over the previous year. The salary for recruits with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees includes 5 and 10 percent education incentives. These salaries start at $62,477 and $65,452, respectively. Additional salary and benefits might also apply.
$7,500 hiring bonus
The City of Charlotte has once again extended CMPD’s $7,500 hiring bonus for the 2026 fiscal year. This incentive is open to all lateral officers and new police recruits. Recruits are rewarded throughout training and after their first year of service with the department.
Additional financial incentives
Other highlights from the new city budget include:
- A $2,500 one-time incentive for officers and sergeants who live within the CMPD jurisdiction for at least six continuous months
- A step plan that provides 5% annual step increases in base pay, as well as a 10% step increase at the end of an officer’s third year
- A total of $1,300 in annual employer contributions to a Retiree Health Reimbursement Plan
- New education incentives under the city’s tuition pre-payment program
In addition, the shift differential and military incentives implemented in January 2023 remain in place in the new budget. Employees permanently assigned to regular work on the second and third shifts earn a 2.5% bonus. Those with eligible military service earn a 5% bonus.
These and other incentives are in addition to the Fiscal Year 2026 base pay increase.
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