As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Correctional Officer, Sr. in the United States is $58,811 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Correctional Officer, Sr.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Correctional Officer, Sr.'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, Sr.'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, Sr. | $57,689 |
| Intermediate Level Correctional Officer, Sr. | $57,787 |
| Senior Level Correctional Officer, Sr. | $59,402 |
| Specialist Level Correctional Officer, Sr. | $62,956 |
| Expert Level Correctional Officer, Sr. | $63,209 |
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 Officer, Sr.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Correctional Officer, Sr.s 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, Sr. with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $55,720 and $59,475.
Correctional Officer, Sr. Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.1% |
| High School | 46.9% |
| Associates | 18.4% |
| Bachelors | 16.3% |
| Masters | 12.2% |
| Doctorate | 2.0% |
Understanding how a Correctional Officer, Sr.'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Correctional Officer, Sr. can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,151 in 2023 to around $42,135 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Correctional Officer, Sr. salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,151 |
| 2024 | $42,944 |
| 2025 | $42,135 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $58,811 | 68.5% |
| Bonus | $1,803 | 2.1% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $4,637 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $2,970 | 3.5% |
| Disability | $970 | 1.1% |
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 7.4% |
| Pension | $2,546 | 3.0% |
| Time Off | $7,693 | 9.0% |
| Total Compensation | $85,801 | 100% |
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Correctional Officer, Sr. job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Correctional Officer, Sr.'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, Sr. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Correctional Officer, Sr. is $74,178.
The highest pay for Correctional Officer, Sr. is $75,224.
The lowest pay for Correctional Officer, Sr. is $52,636.
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 equivalent. Requires Firearms Certification. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related 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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