NC LAW ENFORCEMENT PAY RAISES: What That Means For Home Buying

Did North Carolina law enforcement officers get a pay raise in 2026? Yes, but it depends on who you work for. Officers employed by state agencies received permanent salary increases of 6.5% to 16.2%, which showed up in August 2026 paychecks. Sworn officers at local city and county agencies received a one-time $1,750 bonus instead of a raise. Which one changes what house you can buy? A permanent raise increases the loan amount a lender will approve. A one-time bonus does not count as qualifying income, but it is cash you can put toward closing costs or a down payment.