The 1987–88 Northern Premier League season was the 20th in the history of the Northern Premier League, a football competition in England. Teams were divided into two divisions.
| Competition: | Northern Premier League Premier Division |
| Season: | 1987–88 |
| Winners: | Chorley |
| Promoted: | Chorley |
| Relegated: | Oswestry Town Workington |
| Matches: | 462 |
| Total Goals: | 1349 |
| Prevseason: | 1986–87 |
| Nextseason: | 1988–89 |
The Premier Division featured two new teams:
| Competition: | Northern Premier League Division One |
| Season: | 1987–88 |
| Winners: | Fleetwood Town |
| Promoted: | Fleetwood Town Stalybridge Celtic |
| Matches: | 344 |
| Total Goals: | 1014 |
| Nextseason: | 1988–89 |
It was the first Division One season, it was formed by clubs from:
In the twentieth season of the Northern Premier League Chorley (as champions) were automatically promoted to the Football Conference. Meanwhile, Oswestry Town folded at the end of the season and Workington were relegated; these three sides were replaced by Division One winners Fleetwood Town, second placed Stalybridge Celtic and newly admitted Shepshed Charterhouse. Colne Dynamoes, Bishop Auckland, Whitley Bay and Newtown were admitted into Division One at the end of the season.
Challenge Cup
President's Cup
Northern Premier League Shield
Between Champions of NPL Premier Division and Winners of the NPL Cup.