Correctional officer salary
BLS occupation: Correctional Officers and Jailers · Protective service · data for May 2025
Median salary $58,940 a year, US
Median hourly pay $28.34 an hour
Middle half earn $48,640–$75,850 25th to 75th percentile
Correctional officers employed 380,500 −7.4% projected by 2035
How much does a correctional officer make?
- The median correctional officer salary in the US is $58,940 a year ($28.34 an hour): half of the 380,500 correctional officers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $63,630.
- The middle half earn between $48,640 and $75,850. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $42,760 and the top 10% more than $93,220.
- That is 16% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- California pays correctional officers the most (median $96,370), followed by New Jersey ($94,770) and Massachusetts ($86,310). Mississippi pays the least ($38,720).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in New Jersey, where the median is worth $87,101 in typical US prices, then California and Massachusetts. California's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.7 vs a US average of 100).
- In 96 of the 281 metro areas with data, the median correctional officer salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of correctional officers to shrink 7.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 28,400 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what correctional officers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Correctional officer salary range
Half of correctional officers earn between $48,640 and $75,850 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $42,760
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $48,640
Median Yearly pay: $58,940
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $75,850
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $93,220
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $42,760 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $48,640 |
| Median | $58,940 |
| Top 25% earn over | $75,850 |
| Top 10% earn over | $93,220 |
Correctional officer salary by state
California pays correctional officers the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($58,940), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| California | $96,370 median |
| New Jersey | $94,770 median |
| Massachusetts | $86,310 median |
| Oregon | $83,690 median |
| Washington | $79,460 median |
| Illinois | $79,190 median |
| New York | $76,820 median |
| Nevada | $76,490 median |
| Wisconsin | $73,470 median |
| Alaska | $71,360 median |
| Hawaii | $69,570 median |
| Utah | $67,290 median |
| Minnesota | $66,040 median |
| Delaware | $65,880 median |
| Connecticut | $64,750 median |
| Maryland | $64,250 median |
| Michigan | $64,020 median |
| Pennsylvania | $63,460 median |
| Nebraska | $63,380 median |
| Colorado | $62,140 median |
| New Hampshire | $61,360 median |
| Ohio | $59,370 median |
| Kansas | $56,120 median |
| Arizona | $54,970 median |
| Wyoming | $54,780 median |
| Vermont | $53,810 median |
| Idaho | $53,580 median |
| Iowa | $53,040 median |
| South Dakota | $53,040 median |
| West Virginia | $52,890 median |
| Maine | $52,730 median |
| Texas | $52,670 median |
| North Dakota | $52,460 median |
| Tennessee | $50,940 median |
| North Carolina | $50,550 median |
| Virginia | $50,140 median |
| Florida | $49,710 median |
| Montana | $49,180 median |
| Indiana | $48,340 median |
| New Mexico | $47,940 median |
| South Carolina | $47,890 median |
| Georgia | $47,520 median |
| Alabama | $46,660 median |
| Oklahoma | $45,690 median |
| Missouri | $42,620 median |
| Kentucky | $42,310 median |
| Arkansas | $40,330 median |
| Louisiana | $39,850 median |
| Mississippi | $38,720 median |
Where correctional officer pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Correctional officers' pay goes furthest in New Jersey once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $87,101 |
| California | $87,039 |
| Massachusetts | $81,612 |
| Oregon | $80,969 |
| Illinois | $79,223 |
| Wisconsin | $78,081 |
| Nevada | $76,506 |
| Washington | $74,253 |
| New York | $71,182 |
| Nebraska | $70,342 |
Correctional officer pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $96,370 | $46.33 | $63,380 | $114,730 | 37,860 | $87,039 |
| New Jersey | $94,770 | $45.56 | $51,410 | $106,570 | 7,570 | $87,101 |
| Massachusetts | $86,310 | $41.50 | $63,520 | $101,620 | 6,360 | $81,612 |
| Oregon | $83,690 | $40.24 | $64,200 | $95,820 | 3,650 | $80,969 |
| Washington | $79,460 | $38.20 | $64,460 | $95,430 | 6,800 | $74,253 |
| Illinois | $79,190 | $38.07 | $50,520 | $102,770 | 12,190 | $79,223 |
| New York | $76,820 | $36.93 | $58,940 | $93,220 | 27,770 | $71,182 |
| Nevada | $76,490 | $36.77 | $62,150 | $102,610 | 3,240 | $76,506 |
| Wisconsin | $73,470 | $35.32 | $56,540 | $92,140 | 7,360 | $78,081 |
| Alaska | $71,360 | $34.31 | $60,340 | $94,930 | 850 | $69,715 |
| Hawaii | $69,570 | $33.45 | $64,250 | $82,240 | 1,310 | $63,274 |
| Utah | $67,290 | $32.35 | $47,700 | $84,680 | 2,050 | $68,063 |
| Minnesota | $66,040 | $31.75 | $54,060 | $82,380 | 5,350 | $66,963 |
| Delaware | $65,880 | $31.67 | $46,520 | $79,260 | 1,730 | $66,007 |
| Connecticut | $64,750 | $31.13 | $55,520 | $70,710 | 3,780 | $62,494 |
| Maryland | $64,250 | $30.89 | $53,100 | $82,280 | 6,060 | $61,214 |
| Michigan | $64,020 | $30.78 | $47,360 | $77,990 | 8,220 | $66,537 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,460 | $30.51 | $46,840 | $85,630 | 15,560 | $65,039 |
| Nebraska | $63,380 | $30.47 | $47,630 | $78,270 | 3,250 | $70,342 |
| Colorado | $62,140 | $29.88 | $52,370 | $87,690 | 7,290 | $60,300 |
| New Hampshire | $61,360 | $29.50 | $47,480 | $82,240 | 680 | $58,907 |
| Ohio | $59,370 | $28.54 | $46,930 | $68,060 | 12,610 | $63,994 |
| Kansas | $56,120 | $26.98 | $37,000 | $64,940 | 3,380 | $62,308 |
| Arizona | $54,970 | $26.43 | $45,620 | $65,030 | 14,230 | $54,600 |
| Wyoming | $54,780 | $26.34 | $50,340 | $71,010 | 920 | $59,100 |
| Vermont | $53,810 | $25.87 | $46,010 | $71,660 | 450 | $54,932 |
| Idaho | $53,580 | $25.76 | $45,430 | $74,720 | 2,370 | $56,108 |
| Iowa | $53,040 | $25.50 | $47,670 | $73,530 | 3,440 | $60,436 |
| South Dakota | $53,040 | $25.50 | $43,240 | $66,390 | 1,490 | $59,874 |
| West Virginia | $52,890 | $25.43 | $45,390 | $75,610 | 2,980 | $59,097 |
| Maine | $52,730 | $25.35 | $44,640 | $60,510 | 1,090 | $54,333 |
| Texas | $52,670 | $25.32 | $44,870 | $60,550 | 44,700 | $54,267 |
| North Dakota | $52,460 | $25.22 | $47,580 | $62,870 | 1,290 | $58,971 |
| Tennessee | $50,940 | $24.49 | $38,690 | $62,790 | 6,990 | $55,448 |
| North Carolina | $50,550 | $24.30 | $38,850 | $63,150 | 11,900 | $53,591 |
| Virginia | $50,140 | $24.11 | $46,320 | $70,570 | 11,270 | $49,592 |
| Florida | $49,710 | $23.90 | $45,760 | $80,500 | 24,280 | $48,069 |
| Montana | $49,180 | $23.64 | $44,690 | $62,730 | 1,430 | $51,963 |
| Indiana | $48,340 | $23.24 | $41,670 | $61,840 | 8,060 | $51,795 |
| New Mexico | $47,940 | $23.05 | $37,900 | $59,330 | 2,740 | $51,989 |
| South Carolina | $47,890 | $23.02 | $40,090 | $71,390 | 4,870 | $51,083 |
| Georgia | $47,520 | $22.85 | $36,820 | $58,430 | 10,640 | $49,349 |
| Alabama | $46,660 | $22.43 | $30,430 | $74,290 | 4,970 | $52,531 |
| Oklahoma | $45,690 | $21.97 | $34,530 | $58,380 | 3,730 | $52,013 |
| Missouri | $42,620 | $20.49 | $37,210 | $63,940 | 6,670 | $46,930 |
| Kentucky | $42,310 | $20.34 | $29,910 | $61,820 | 6,770 | $46,928 |
| Arkansas | $40,330 | $19.39 | $31,200 | $49,360 | 4,460 | $46,390 |
| Louisiana | $39,850 | $19.16 | $30,770 | $55,260 | 7,960 | $45,178 |
| Mississippi | $38,720 | $18.62 | $27,540 | $55,580 | 4,040 | $44,530 |
BLS does not publish pay for correctional officers in 2 states (too few workers to estimate reliably). After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Correctional officer salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes correctional officer pay: 281 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $132,670
- Salinas, CA $109,620
- Bakersfield, CA $107,220
- San Luis Obispo, CA $107,220
- Stockton, CA $107,220
- Vineland, NJ $106,570
- San Francisco, CA $99,880
- Santa Maria, CA $94,740
- Riverside, CA $94,730
- Fresno, CA $94,010
Where the pay goes furthest
- San Jose, CA $120,147
- Vineland, NJ $111,047
- Bakersfield, CA $106,278
- Stockton, CA $102,028
- Salinas, CA $100,530
- San Luis Obispo, CA $98,733
- Fresno, CA $92,024
- Worcester, MA $89,716
- Riverside, CA $88,997
- Santa Maria, CA $87,079
All 281 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $132,670 | 1,050 | $120,147 | 34% |
| Salinas, CA | $109,620 | 1,510 | $100,530 | 30% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $107,220 | 3,280 | $106,278 | 20% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $107,220 | 710 | $98,733 | 31% |
| Stockton, CA | $107,220 | 1,220 | $102,028 | 27% |
| Vineland, NJ | $106,570 | 1,090 | $111,047 | 19% |
| San Francisco, CA | $99,880 | 1,500 | $86,392 | 41% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $94,740 | 470 | $87,079 | 42% |
| Riverside, CA | $94,730 | 4,800 | $88,997 | 32% |
| Fresno, CA | $94,010 | 2,660 | $92,024 | 26% |
| New York, NY | $93,220 | 14,730 | $82,816 | 46% |
| Worcester, MA | $91,980 | 640 | $89,716 | 27% |
| Sacramento, CA | $89,730 | 1,920 | $84,119 | 30% |
| Boston, MA | $89,060 | 4,510 | $82,260 | 40% |
| Portland, OR | $84,640 | 1,350 | $80,288 | 26% |
| Barnstable, MA | $84,610 | 180 | $86,029 | 37% |
| Chicago, IL | $84,550 | 4,940 | $81,616 | 31% |
| Salem, OR | $83,690 | 700 | $80,744 | 24% |
| Bellingham, WA | $83,030 | 120 | $80,351 | 28% |
| Bend, OR | $81,770 | 200 | $78,923 | 33% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $81,680 | 2,270 | $81,505 | 25% |
| Olympia, WA | $81,550 | 230 | $78,663 | 30% |
| Seattle, WA | $81,550 | 2,170 | $73,381 | 33% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $80,950 | 120 | $73,661 | 51% |
| Missoula, MT | $79,720 | 110 | $82,659 | 24% |
| Eugene, OR | $79,630 | 120 | $78,401 | 27% |
| Kennewick, WA | $79,460 | 590 | $79,397 | 26% |
| Spokane, WA | $79,460 | 630 | $79,186 | 23% |
| Provo, UT | $79,190 | 210 | $80,615 | 27% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $78,770 | 6,070 | $69,361 | 45% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $78,670 | – | $84,656 | 19% |
| Merced, CA | $78,370 | 270 | $79,746 | 32% |
| Bremerton, WA | $77,480 | 130 | $73,366 | 32% |
| Elmira, NY | $76,820 | 550 | $81,379 | 18% |
| Rochester, NY | $76,820 | 1,390 | $79,167 | 24% |
| Green Bay, WI | $76,250 | 420 | $81,913 | 18% |
| Madison, WI | $76,250 | 610 | $78,376 | 28% |
| Buffalo, NY | $76,170 | 1,590 | $79,473 | 23% |
| Yakima, WA | $76,070 | 220 | $79,617 | 21% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $75,480 | 400 | $81,340 | 18% |
| Greeley, CO | $75,330 | 240 | $75,198 | 27% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $75,240 | 1,990 | $68,761 | 36% |
| Carson City, NV | $74,910 | 330 | $76,338 | 33% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $73,150 | 140 | $76,616 | 28% |
| Alexandria, LA | $72,920 | 420 | $85,101 | 17% |
| Utica, NY | $72,890 | 1,300 | $78,649 | 23% |
| Syracuse, NY | $72,060 | 530 | $75,265 | 27% |
| Washington, DC | $70,570 | 3,200 | $64,812 | 41% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $69,840 | 370 | $73,620 | 25% |
| Springfield, MA | $69,650 | 540 | $72,506 | 34% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $69,640 | 2,670 | $66,436 | 30% |
| Reading, PA | $69,400 | 240 | $71,502 | 27% |
| Anchorage, AK | $68,850 | 480 | $65,310 | 33% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $68,520 | 370 | $67,922 | 34% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $68,520 | 1,210 | $71,714 | 28% |
| Detroit, MI | $67,920 | 2,200 | $67,718 | 27% |
| The Villages, FL | $67,770 | 980 | $79,334 | 31% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $67,200 | 5,570 | $65,526 | 34% |
| Miami, FL | $66,770 | 5,010 | $58,491 | 48% |
| State College, PA | $66,730 | 770 | $68,963 | 35% |
| Lincoln, NE | $66,210 | 1,020 | $72,297 | 23% |
| North Port, FL | $66,150 | 470 | $64,589 | 38% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $65,910 | 900 | $65,343 | 30% |
| Denver, CO | $65,660 | 1,820 | $62,071 | 35% |
| Appleton, WI | $65,540 | 120 | $70,916 | 22% |
| Rochester, MN | $65,350 | 210 | $71,955 | 29% |
| Tampa, FL | $65,340 | 2,170 | $64,764 | 37% |
| Norwich, CT | $64,750 | 590 | $64,463 | 39% |
| Mobile, AL | $64,690 | 300 | $73,430 | 24% |
| Peoria, IL | $64,540 | 220 | $70,743 | 22% |
| Baltimore, MD | $64,250 | 3,110 | $61,491 | 36% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $64,250 | 890 | $68,227 | 30% |
| Salisbury, MD | $64,250 | 470 | $67,195 | 36% |
| Naples, FL | $64,080 | 310 | $62,093 | 49% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $63,910 | 1,020 | $65,929 | 29% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $63,820 | 220 | $64,558 | 39% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $63,460 | 760 | $64,328 | 28% |
| Omaha, NE | $63,380 | 1,180 | $68,958 | 26% |
| Des Moines, IA | $63,230 | 610 | $68,952 | 24% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $62,910 | 700 | $58,869 | 55% |
| Grand Island, NE | $62,470 | 90 | $72,089 | 26% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $62,400 | 120 | $71,207 | 24% |
| Davenport, IA | $62,390 | 460 | $70,039 | 19% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $62,270 | 40 | $59,959 | 34% |
| Scranton, PA | $61,800 | 870 | $66,057 | 26% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $61,770 | 1,060 | $62,090 | 33% |
| Duluth, MN | $61,390 | 450 | $69,158 | 26% |
| Traverse City, MI | $60,760 | 80 | $65,073 | 37% |
| Springfield, IL | $60,590 | 140 | $65,330 | 24% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $60,540 | 1,160 | $63,948 | 29% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $59,980 | 230 | $59,977 | 38% |
| Albany, NY | $59,970 | 600 | $60,231 | 34% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $59,790 | 110 | $60,828 | 37% |
| La Crosse, WI | $59,670 | 80 | $65,022 | 27% |
| Topeka, KS | $59,650 | 520 | $67,158 | 25% |
| Pueblo, CO | $59,600 | 610 | $64,951 | 27% |
| Austin, TX | $59,470 | 1,770 | $60,643 | 32% |
| Lancaster, PA | $59,430 | 250 | $60,484 | 32% |
| Bloomington, IN | $59,380 | 100 | $62,450 | 35% |
| Cleveland, OH | $59,370 | 2,390 | $63,211 | 29% |
| Lima, OH | $59,240 | 330 | $66,065 | 24% |
| Mankato, MN | $59,240 | 60 | $65,131 | 25% |
| Wheeling, WV | $59,240 | 440 | $67,072 | 18% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $58,950 | 280 | $62,953 | 35% |
| Lansing, MI | $58,940 | 100 | $62,048 | 27% |
| Dallas, TX | $58,930 | 5,170 | $57,164 | 34% |
| Toledo, OH | $58,480 | 470 | $63,944 | 26% |
| Ames, IA | $58,410 | 40 | $65,755 | 24% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $58,210 | 200 | $59,244 | 39% |
| Columbus, OH | $58,040 | 2,540 | $60,795 | 32% |
| Redding, CA | $57,960 | 110 | $57,566 | 34% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $57,790 | 50 | $57,603 | 44% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $57,700 | 350 | $62,330 | 26% |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,680 | 40 | $66,050 | 22% |
| Birmingham, AL | $57,570 | 870 | $62,819 | 29% |
| Janesville, WI | $57,280 | 80 | $61,129 | 27% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $57,280 | 8,920 | $55,442 | 36% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $57,100 | 100 | $58,255 | 41% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $57,080 | 370 | $56,679 | 37% |
| Rockford, IL | $56,650 | 250 | $61,473 | 28% |
| Greenville, NC | $56,610 | 140 | $64,037 | 31% |
| Johnstown, PA | $56,450 | 190 | $65,694 | 19% |
| South Bend, IN | $56,390 | 200 | $60,727 | 27% |
| Evansville, IN | $56,330 | 120 | $61,544 | 23% |
| Wichita, KS | $56,270 | 600 | $63,263 | 26% |
| Ogden, UT | $56,080 | 180 | $55,885 | 35% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $55,920 | 110 | $60,711 | 33% |
| Champaign, IL | $55,840 | 100 | $60,235 | 30% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $55,460 | 1,610 | $58,152 | 33% |
| Montgomery, AL | $55,360 | 970 | $61,729 | 30% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $54,970 | 520 | $61,596 | 28% |
| Tucson, AZ | $54,970 | 2,090 | $56,731 | 32% |
| Portland, ME | $54,930 | 370 | $53,928 | 50% |
| Boise, ID | $54,830 | 1,270 | $55,727 | 42% |
| Charlotte, NC | $54,600 | 1,690 | $56,087 | 38% |
| Winchester, VA | $54,390 | 130 | $56,392 | 40% |
| Fargo, ND | $54,230 | 290 | $59,678 | 24% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $54,080 | 450 | $59,671 | 28% |
| Raleigh, NC | $54,070 | 1,140 | $55,085 | 37% |
| Amarillo, TX | $54,020 | 600 | $58,832 | 29% |
| Beaumont, TX | $54,020 | 1,730 | $59,992 | 29% |
| Lubbock, TX | $54,020 | 790 | $59,157 | 30% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $54,020 | 550 | $60,349 | 29% |
| Albany, GA | $54,010 | 290 | $61,607 | 24% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $53,830 | 330 | $60,508 | 27% |
| Houston, TX | $53,810 | 8,650 | $54,558 | 37% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $53,670 | 960 | $61,130 | 22% |
| Abilene, TX | $53,570 | 730 | $59,282 | 45% |
| Waterloo, IA | $53,480 | 170 | $61,431 | 23% |
| Augusta, GA | $53,390 | 580 | $58,094 | 33% |
| Dayton, OH | $53,270 | 410 | $57,469 | 30% |
| Memphis, TN | $53,210 | 1,370 | $57,725 | 31% |
| Beckley, WV | $53,140 | 450 | $60,134 | 24% |
| Killeen, TX | $53,090 | 1,540 | $58,256 | 30% |
| Rapid City, SD | $53,040 | 240 | $59,489 | 33% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $52,700 | 300 | $53,154 | 46% |
| College Station, TX | $52,670 | 420 | $57,910 | 34% |
| Iowa City, IA | $52,640 | 290 | $57,524 | 40% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $52,370 | 380 | $58,052 | 34% |
| Charleston, SC | $52,300 | 450 | $51,802 | 47% |
| Helena, MT | $52,140 | 60 | $54,497 | 38% |
| Knoxville, TN | $52,040 | 720 | $56,218 | 40% |
| Allentown, PA | $51,990 | 520 | $52,007 | 42% |
| Richmond, VA | $51,660 | 1,930 | $52,791 | 40% |
| Lexington, KY | $51,510 | 700 | $55,453 | 37% |
| Kansas City, MO | $51,390 | 1,350 | $55,531 | 36% |
| San Antonio, TX | $51,310 | 2,040 | $54,172 | 33% |
| Texarkana, TX | $51,310 | 660 | $61,075 | 29% |
| Canton, OH | $51,290 | 180 | $57,368 | 27% |
| Erie, PA | $51,250 | 410 | $56,350 | 26% |
| Bismarck, ND | $51,130 | 300 | $56,172 | 31% |
| St. Louis, MO | $50,980 | 1,620 | $53,613 | 34% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $50,950 | 100 | $53,693 | 40% |
| Nashville, TN | $50,940 | 2,040 | $52,876 | 42% |
| Yuma, AZ | $50,940 | 1,360 | $54,948 | 34% |
| Asheville, NC | $50,850 | 280 | $52,691 | 40% |
| Greensboro, NC | $50,550 | 540 | $54,434 | 33% |
| Durham, NC | $50,450 | 250 | $51,705 | 39% |
| Huntington, WV | $50,390 | 400 | $56,988 | 26% |
| Burlington, VT | $50,230 | 150 | $49,758 | 62% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $50,230 | 180 | $57,960 | 27% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $50,230 | – | $57,260 | 40% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $50,170 | 150 | $54,115 | 40% |
| Roanoke, VA | $50,070 | 270 | $53,483 | 34% |
| Gainesville, FL | $50,020 | 530 | $51,709 | 39% |
| Lafayette, IN | $49,910 | 110 | $53,420 | 35% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $49,900 | 1,520 | $50,949 | 45% |
| Pocatello, ID | $49,610 | 130 | $55,801 | 26% |
| Brunswick, GA | $49,590 | 140 | $56,540 | 40% |
| Longview, TX | $49,530 | 340 | $55,350 | 28% |
| Sioux City, IA | $49,510 | 170 | $57,267 | 31% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $49,430 | 310 | $54,043 | 37% |
| Atlanta, GA | $49,380 | 2,910 | $49,351 | 45% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $49,380 | 510 | $49,268 | 56% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $49,360 | 880 | $54,597 | 34% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $49,290 | 300 | $55,157 | 31% |
| Lakeland, FL | $49,280 | 710 | $50,730 | 44% |
| Billings, MT | $49,110 | 200 | $52,509 | 34% |
| Hickory, NC | $48,940 | 750 | $55,308 | 39% |
| Macon, GA | $48,810 | 410 | $55,135 | 30% |
| Wilmington, NC | $48,810 | 300 | $50,621 | 43% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $48,740 | 220 | $55,379 | 31% |
| Gainesville, GA | $48,730 | 210 | $50,359 | 42% |
| Savannah, GA | $48,450 | 300 | $50,890 | 44% |
| Valdosta, GA | $48,450 | 210 | $54,888 | 33% |
| Kingsport, TN | $48,440 | 430 | $56,034 | 33% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $48,420 | 120 | $51,286 | 36% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $48,340 | 2,060 | $50,514 | 38% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $48,170 | 1,180 | $51,289 | 37% |
| Pensacola, FL | $48,030 | 1,260 | $49,152 | 43% |
| Lewiston, ID | $48,000 | 60 | $52,655 | 37% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $47,940 | 680 | $50,175 | 37% |
| Athens, GA | $47,900 | 80 | $51,316 | 44% |
| Staunton, VA | $47,850 | 260 | $52,509 | 36% |
| Hinesville, GA | $47,800 | 100 | $50,887 | 44% |
| Deltona, FL | $47,770 | 450 | $48,074 | 44% |
| Waco, TX | $47,660 | 700 | $51,496 | 36% |
| El Paso, TX | $47,650 | 1,450 | $52,996 | 38% |
| Dalton, GA | $47,440 | 110 | $52,803 | 35% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $47,330 | 420 | $51,422 | 39% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $47,260 | 210 | $50,224 | 39% |
| Greenville, SC | $47,240 | 540 | $50,654 | 40% |
| Crestview, FL | $47,130 | 550 | $48,572 | 50% |
| Ocala, FL | $47,130 | 980 | $49,489 | 41% |
| Orlando, FL | $47,130 | 1,040 | $46,471 | 49% |
| Panama City, FL | $47,130 | 410 | $48,440 | 44% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $47,130 | 410 | $46,884 | 47% |
| Jackson, MS | $47,010 | 960 | $52,792 | 38% |
| Springfield, MO | $46,940 | 690 | $52,989 | 32% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $46,930 | 180 | $50,038 | 38% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $46,710 | 420 | $51,131 | 40% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $46,640 | 380 | $51,224 | 38% |
| Lafayette, LA | $46,370 | 440 | $53,171 | 36% |
| McAllen, TX | $46,300 | 1,660 | $53,903 | 29% |
| Clarksville, TN | $46,260 | 200 | $50,865 | 35% |
| Tulsa, OK | $46,220 | 650 | $51,808 | 36% |
| Dothan, AL | $45,900 | 100 | $54,752 | 32% |
| Jackson, TN | $45,770 | 140 | $53,518 | 37% |
| Louisville, KY | $45,330 | 880 | $48,703 | 35% |
| Akron, OH | $45,310 | 140 | $48,527 | 35% |
| Auburn, AL | $45,170 | 70 | $51,369 | 42% |
| Tyler, TX | $45,150 | 310 | $48,993 | 35% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $44,920 | 2,180 | $49,482 | 36% |
| Columbia, SC | $44,860 | 1,260 | $47,896 | 42% |
| Huntsville, AL | $44,800 | 410 | $48,135 | 37% |
| San Angelo, TX | $44,740 | 180 | $48,392 | 35% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $44,660 | 70 | $43,635 | 49% |
| Shreveport, LA | $44,080 | 270 | $52,002 | 35% |
| Daphne, AL | $43,490 | 260 | $45,929 | 47% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $43,370 | 140 | $50,503 | 34% |
| Morristown, TN | $43,060 | 100 | $49,859 | 43% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $43,020 | 60 | $46,772 | 41% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $42,940 | 390 | $46,336 | 40% |
| Columbia, MO | $42,620 | 220 | $47,653 | 41% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $42,620 | 900 | $48,446 | 28% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $42,620 | 320 | $49,339 | 28% |
| Laredo, TX | $42,570 | 480 | $48,956 | 32% |
| Little Rock, AR | $41,960 | 610 | $46,954 | 35% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $41,170 | 60 | $47,829 | 30% |
| Owensboro, KY | $41,120 | 90 | $46,406 | 36% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $41,100 | 240 | $45,576 | 35% |
| Johnson City, TN | $40,570 | 60 | $46,140 | 44% |
| New Orleans, LA | $40,490 | 560 | $43,727 | 47% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $39,960 | 80 | $46,545 | 41% |
| Paducah, KY | $39,120 | 50 | $45,444 | 35% |
| Lawton, OK | $38,970 | 90 | $45,345 | 35% |
| Decatur, AL | $38,770 | 170 | $44,455 | 33% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $38,720 | 110 | $44,184 | 40% |
| Houma, LA | $38,710 | 220 | $45,486 | 40% |
| Florence, SC | $38,500 | 150 | $44,368 | 47% |
| Rome, GA | $38,440 | 150 | $42,635 | 40% |
| Enid, OK | $37,140 | 40 | $44,073 | 36% |
| Manhattan, KS | $37,000 | 130 | $41,037 | 41% |
| Florence, AL | $35,900 | 80 | $42,326 | 36% |
| Gulfport, MS | $35,480 | 190 | $39,420 | 48% |
| Joplin, MO | $35,200 | 90 | $41,065 | 42% |
| Anniston, AL | $34,280 | 80 | $39,884 | 34% |
| Monroe, LA | $34,090 | 370 | $40,779 | 42% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $33,790 | 130 | $39,342 | 38% |
| Brownsville, TX | $33,670 | 270 | $39,163 | 54% |
| Hammond, LA | $29,320 | 160 | $34,715 | 54% |
What the median correctional officer salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $58,940 |
| Month | $4,912 |
| Every two weeks | $2,267 |
| Week | $1,133 |
| Hour | $28.34 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a correctional officer: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −7.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 28,400 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Game warden | $74,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Police officer | $76,210 | High school diploma |
| Firefighter | $59,280 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Detective | $93,790 | High school diploma |
| Security guard | $38,020 | High school diploma |
Questions about correctional officer pay
How much does a correctional officer make an hour?
The median is $28.34 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $20.56 and the top 10% over $44.82.
How much does a correctional officer make a month?
About $4,912 a month before taxes at the median salary of $58,940, or $2,267 every two weeks.
What state pays correctional officers the most?
California, with a median of $96,370. New Jersey ($94,770), Massachusetts ($86,310), Oregon ($83,690) and Washington ($79,460) follow.
Where do correctional officers make the most after cost of living?
New Jersey: its median of $94,770 is worth $87,101 at typical US prices. California, Massachusetts and Oregon come next.
How much do entry-level correctional officers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of correctional officers earn under $42,760 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $48,640, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a correctional officer?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 33-3012 (Correctional Officers and Jailers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.