As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Corrections Officer I in the United States is $52,470 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Corrections Officer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Corrections Officer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Corrections Officer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Corrections Officer I | $52,171 |
| Intermediate Level Corrections Officer I | $52,611 |
| Senior Level Corrections Officer I | $53,665 |
| Specialist Level Corrections Officer I | $53,876 |
| Expert Level Corrections Officer I | $54,017 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Corrections Officer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 9.04% |
| CPR | 6.61% |
| Bond | 2.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrity
|
$56,668 |
8%
|
|
Active Listening
|
$56,668 |
8%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$55,618 |
6%
|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$55,618 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$55,094 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$55,094 |
5%
|
Corrections Officer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,149. While startup companies pay approximate $46,269.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $46,269 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $48,817 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $52,420 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $54,149 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Corrections Officer Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Corrections Officer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $46,528 and $49,753).
Corrections Officer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.4% |
| High School | 44.2% |
| Associates | 18.9% |
| Bachelors | 25.8% |
| Masters | 3.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Corrections Officer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Corrections Officer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Correctional Officer / Jailer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $59,000 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for a Corrections Officer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,712 in 2023 to around $37,244 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Corrections Officer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $37,712 |
| 2024 | $37,659 |
| 2025 | $37,244 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Corrections officers typically work a five-day week in eight-hour shifts. However, due to the need for 24/7 security, their schedules may include overtime, weekends, and holidays. The salary for corrections officers ranges from $45,500 to $56,710, with a mid-range salary of $51,100, reflecting the demanding nature of the job.
The salary for a Corrections Officer in the US typically ranges from a minimum of $45,500 to a maximum of $56,710, with a mid-range salary of about $51,100. This reflects the compensation for those working in the corrections system, which varies based on experience, location, and specific duties.
Becoming a correctional officer involves meeting specific requirements and completing formal training, often at an intensive academy. The role can be challenging, but with the right preparation, individuals can succeed. Salaries for correctional officers typically range from $45,500 to $56,710, with a mid-range salary of about $51,100.
Correction Officer Trainees must complete a 12-month training program, including at least 8 weeks at the Correctional Services Training Academy. Upon becoming a Correction Officer, salaries range from $45,500 to $56,710, with a mid-salary of $51,100, reflecting the importance and responsibilities of the role.
While states like Rhode Island, California, and Massachusetts offer high average wages for correctional officers, the salary range for these positions generally falls between $45,500 and $56,710. The mid-salary is approximately $51,100, indicating that while some states pay significantly more, many correctional officers earn within this range.
A Correctional Officer typically earns between $45,500 and $56,710 annually, with a mid-salary of $51,100. While some positions may offer additional incentives, reaching a salary of $100,000 per year is generally not standard for this role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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