As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a COS in the United States is $228,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $110.
However, a COS's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A COS'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 COS'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 COS | $208,841 |
| Intermediate Level COS | $211,760 |
| Senior Level COS | $214,193 |
| Specialist Level COS | $218,086 |
| Expert Level COS | $222,951 |
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 COS. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.52% |
| Business Operations | 1.07% |
| Client Service | 1.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
VMware
|
$299,715 |
31%
|
|
Cadence
|
$251,669 |
10%
|
|
Client Service
|
$251,669 |
10%
|
|
Consulting Management
|
$249,381 |
9%
|
|
Business Acumen
|
$249,381 |
9%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$247,093 |
8%
|
COS salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $255,900. While startup companies pay approximate $216,415.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $216,415 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $228,892 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $247,120 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $255,900 |
For COS roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, COS positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view COS as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $285,988 | $137.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $274,548 | $132.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $274,548 | $132.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $274,548 | $132.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $263,108 | $126.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many COS enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 COS with a Bachelor's Degree is between $250,848 and $281,780).
COS Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 4.7% |
| Bachelors | 40.1% |
| Masters | 40.5% |
| Doctorate | 6.5% |
Understanding how a COS'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a COS, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman of the Board & CEO | $938,000 | 310% |
| CEO | $816,100 | 257% |
Salaries for a COS can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $202,696 in 2023 to around $201,977 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of COS salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $202,696 |
| 2024 | $204,427 |
| 2025 | $201,977 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for COS and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current COS job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for COS roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Correctional officers earn between $221,290 and $337,890, with a median salary of $276,190. Historically, police officers have earned more than corrections officers by over $15,000 annually. However, recent data suggests that corrections officers' salaries are competitive, making the comparison more favorable for them than in the past.
The salary for a C O ranges from ₹2,21,290 to ₹3,37,890 per year, with an average salary of ₹2,76,190. These figures are based on the latest data and reflect the compensation across various industries. The starting salary for a C O in India is approximately ₹2,21,290 annually.
The top pay for a federal Correctional Officer can reach up to $337,890 annually, with a minimum salary of $221,290 and a mid-range salary of $276,190. This reflects a significant increase compared to the previous figures, highlighting the competitive compensation in this field.
The salary data for Correctional Officers (COS) indicates that the minimum salary is $221,290, the mid-range salary is $276,190, and the maximum salary can reach $337,890. This reflects the compensation structure for professionals working in correctional facilities, which can vary based on experience and location.
An immigration officer in the USA can expect to earn between $221,290 and $337,890 annually, with a median salary of $276,190. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average reported salary of $82,000, indicating a higher earning potential in this role. Salary data is based on recent industry insights.
As of now, the salary for a Correctional Officer in the US ranges from a minimum of $221,290 to a maximum of $337,890, with a mid-salary of $276,190. This reflects a significant difference compared to the average annual pay of $54,007 reported earlier.
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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