Correctional Officer Salary

As of October 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Correctional Officer in the United States is $80,566. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $39. Salaries at Correctional Officer typically range from $70,458 to $92,186 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Correctional Officer Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Correctional Officer. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Captain, with an annual salary of $117,989. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Is Correctional Officer’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Correctional Officer's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
The Retired Los Angeles City Employees Inc $97,253
+20.7%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to The Retired Los Angeles City Employees Inc's sector.
City of Yerington, Nevada $83,793
+4.0%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in City of Yerington, Nevada's primary metro hubs.
Mykkanen Services Co $82,454
+2.3%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
International Institution of Education $85,217
+5.8%
Data suggests International Institution of Education's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+43.2%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Correctional Officer

Considering a career at Correctional Officer? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Employee input directly influences policies and work processes. I feel proud working in an environment that emphasizes lifelong learning and community impact. It’s a reasonable place to work if you value consistency and routine, though it may not be ideal for someone seeking a dynamic or fast-paced environment. Leadership genuinely cares about employee well-being, and my team collaborates well. Pr...
I’m proud to be part of this organization. The team is generally professional, but response times vary. Extremely resourceful and quick to address concerns. Leadership fosters innovation while providing necessary support. Benefits, including pension and healthcare, are excellent. The company fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace with strong leadership support. Employee voice is valued in polic...
Strong leadership and cohesive staff made a huge difference. The compensation is competitive with other public roles. If you’re content with routine and job security, you’ll do fine. It's rare to find an organization this large that maintains such strong relationships and community feel. Working here means being part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in education and government servi...

Correctional Officer Overview

Website
www.correctionalofficer.org
Founded In
1961
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
801 Main St NW Hanceville Alabama AL 35077
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 2563528000
Social Media
About Correctional Officer
The definitive correctional officer information guide. We cover degrees, education, and employment online.

What Benefits Does Correctional Officer Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Correctional Officer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
Work at Correctional Officer?
Share your experience
How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

illustration

What Is the Cost of Living Near Birmingham?

Understanding the cost of living near Birmingham is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Correctional Officer.
Birmingham's Cost of Living Index is approximately 79.5 (20.5% less expensive than US average; 3.4% less than AL average). Primary driver is significantly lower housing costs. When planning your budget based on a salary from Correctional Officer, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $900 - $1,400+ A significant portion of Correctional Officer salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 - $60 (MAX Transit Monthly Pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $350 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $300 - $600+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,040 - $3,460+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Correctional Officer

1. What is the average salary for employees at Correctional Officer?

The average annual total compensation for employees at Correctional Officer is approximately $80,566. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $70,458 to $92,186, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.

2. How much does Correctional Officer pay compared to The Retired Los Angeles City Employees Inc?

The average annual salary at Correctional Officer is $80,566, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to The Retired Los Angeles City Employees Inc which pays $97,253 per year or $47 per hour.

3. What is the lowest salary at Correctional Officer?

The lowest-paying job at Correctional Officer is a Documentation Officer with a salary of $37,082 per year. The lowest- paying job depends heavily on the specific role, location, whether it's an hourly or salaried position, and if it's full-time, part-time, or an internship. Generally, entry-level positions might represent the lower end of the pay scale.

4. How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at Correctional Officer?

Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at Correctional Officer for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.

5. Does Correctional Officer offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Birmingham?

While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Correctional Officer, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.

6. What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at Correctional Officer?

Most companies, likely including Correctional Officer, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.