Correctional Officer Salary in 2026
Monitor inmates in correctional facilities to maintain order and security.
Median Salary
$48,000
$4,000/mo
Entry Level
$35,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$65,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Correctional Officer Overview
Monitor inmates in correctional facilities to maintain order and security.
Education
High School/Associate's
Experience
0-1 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
430K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$23.08/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,000
Local evidence pages
High-intent Correctional Officer salary checks
These pages answer location-specific searches where a national median is not enough. Use them when the question is about an exact city posting, local credential path, or city-specific salary range.
Correctional Officer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Correctional Officer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Correctional Officer Salary
$55,000
$4,583/month · $2,115/biweekly · $26.44/hr
Correctional Officer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Correctional Officer field.
Entry-level Correctional Officers earn around $35,000, while the top 10% earn $71,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Correctional Officers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $57,000 | +$9,000 |
| New York | $55,000 | +$7,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $47,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $47,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Correctional Officers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $57,000 | +$9,000 |
| Los Angeles | $54,000 | +$6,000 |
| Miami | $49,000 | +$1,000 |
| Philadelphia | $49,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $48,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Correctional Officer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Correctional Officer from entry level to expert.
$35,000
0-2 years
$50,000
3-7 years
$65,000
8-14 years
$78,000
15+ years
Related Government Jobs
Correctional Officer Salary FAQ
How much does a Correctional Officer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Correctional Officer in the United States is $48,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $35,000, while senior professionals earn up to $65,000. Top earners in the field can make $78,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Correctional Officer?
A Correctional Officer typically requires a High School/Associate's with 0-1 years of experience. Key skills include Security, Crisis Management, Report Writing. Relevant certifications such as State Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Correctional Officers?
The job market for Correctional Officers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 430K Correctional Officer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Correctional Officers the most?
The highest-paying states for Correctional Officers include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $57,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Correctional Officer salary?
To increase your Correctional Officer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Security and Crisis Management. Pursue certifications such as State Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-1 years of experience, you can progress from $35,000 to $65,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Correctional Officer Salary
How we calculate Correctional Officer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $48,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Correctional Officer in the Government sector.
- Entry-level ($35,000) and senior-level ($65,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 430K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Government sector wages.
- Education requirement: High School/Associate's, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $48,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Correctional Officer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Correctional Officer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Government
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Correctional Officer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Security, Crisis Management, Report Writing), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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