As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Corrections Officer in the United States is $54,906 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Corrections Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Corrections 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 Corrections 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 Corrections Officer | $53,517 |
| Intermediate Level Corrections Officer | $53,967 |
| Senior Level Corrections Officer | $55,050 |
| Specialist Level Corrections Officer | $55,266 |
| Expert Level Corrections Officer | $55,411 |
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 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
|
$59,298 |
8%
|
|
Active Listening
|
$59,298 |
8%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$58,200 |
6%
|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$58,200 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$57,651 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$57,651 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Corrections 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 Corrections Officer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $46,708 and $49,951).
Corrections 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 Corrections 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 Corrections Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,688 in 2023 to around $38,208 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Corrections Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $38,688 |
| 2024 | $38,634 |
| 2025 | $38,208 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 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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