As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Detention Officer in the United States is $53,059 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Detention Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Detention 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 Detention 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 Detention Officer | $52,406 |
| Intermediate Level Detention Officer | $52,847 |
| Senior Level Detention Officer | $53,907 |
| Specialist Level Detention Officer | $54,119 |
| Expert Level Detention Officer | $54,260 |
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 Detention 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
|
$57,303 |
8%
|
|
Active Listening
|
$57,303 |
8%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$56,242 |
6%
|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$56,242 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$55,712 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$55,712 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Detention 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 Detention Officer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $46,708 and $49,951).
Detention 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 Detention 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Detention Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,885 in 2023 to around $37,415 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Detention Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $37,885 |
| 2024 | $37,832 |
| 2025 | $37,415 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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