As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Correctional Officer in the United States is $52,435 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Correctional Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Correctional Officer'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 Correctional Officer'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 Correctional Officer | $52,137 |
| Intermediate Level Correctional Officer | $52,576 |
| Senior Level Correctional Officer | $53,630 |
| Specialist Level Correctional Officer | $53,840 |
| Expert Level Correctional Officer | $53,981 |
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 Correctional Officers. 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
|
$56,630 |
8%
|
|
Active Listening
|
$56,630 |
8%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$55,581 |
6%
|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$55,581 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$55,057 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$55,057 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Correctional Officers 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 Correctional Officer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $46,708 and $49,951).
Correctional Officer 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 Correctional Officer'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 April 01, 2026For a Correctional Officer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Correctional Officer, Sr. role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $58,865 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for a Correctional Officer 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 Correctional Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $37,712 |
| 2024 | $37,659 |
| 2025 | $37,244 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Correctional Officer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Correctional Officer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Correctional Officer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Correctional Officer is $66,136.
The highest pay for Correctional Officer is $61,429.
The lowest pay for Correctional Officer is $44,797.
Enforces rules and regulations in a prison, jail or other holding facility. Presides over prisoners awaiting trial or those who have been convicted of a crime. Oversees prisoner conduct and safety. Supervises prisoners during meals, recreation, work and other daily activities. Documents violations and takes appropriate disciplinary actions. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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