Wake County Sheriff's Office increases starting pay for deputies, detention officers

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is increasing the starting pay for deputies and detention officers.

Earlier this month, the Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the pay increase in their $1.8 billion budget.

Deputies and detention officers will now have a starting salary of $50,540 a year.

In addition to the starting pay increase, WCSO is offering a $5,000 hiring and retention bonus for detention officers. The bonus breaks down by year: $2,000 when a new detention officer starts, $2,000 at the one-year mark and $1,000 at the two-year mark.

"This pay increase is a step in the right direction to encourage those looking to start a career in law enforcement, fill vacancies and keep skilled and dedicated law enforcement officers in Wake County," Sheriff Rowe said. "When I took office, we had numerous vacancies to fill, and I thank County Manager David Ellis, his team and the commissioners for making it easier to fill those vacancies with higher pay."