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
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
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Correctional Officer Salary FAQ
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