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Salary

How much does a Corrections Officer make?

The average salary for a Corrections Officer is $51,432 per year in the US.

A Corrections Officer earns an average yearly salary of about $51,432. This job is important for keeping people safe in jails and prisons. Pay can change based on many things. These include where the job is, how many years of experience a person has, and the level of education they hold.


Here are some details on how salaries may vary:

  • Ten percent of Corrections Officers earn less than $34,000.
  • Twenty-six percent earn between $34,000 and $43,649.
  • The middle fifty percent earn between $43,649 and $62,947.
  • The highest ten percent earn more than $67,772 a year.
Becoming a Corrections Officer can lead to a steady and rewarding career.

View Corrections Officer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Corrections Officer?

Job seekers interested in Corrections Officer roles can explore cities with higher salaries. Salem, Oregon, offers the highest average salary at $96,838, making it a top choice. Other cities like Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles also provide competitive pay, ranging from $67,000 to $79,000 annually. These cities present promising opportunities for those seeking rewarding and well-compensated careers in corrections.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Corrections Officer jobs, highlighting Salem, OR with the highest at $96,838 and Lincoln, NE with the lowest at $67,003.
  1. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $96,838
    Working in Salem offers a balanced lifestyle. Corrections officers here enjoy moderate weather and a tight-knit community. The state's Department of Corrections provides various opportunities for growth and training.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Salem, OR


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $79,333
    Chicago's vibrant environment offers a dynamic experience. Officers work in one of the nation's busiest metropolitan areas. The Cook County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Corrections provide extensive resources and support.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $74,124
    Seattle provides a peaceful setting with a strong focus on public safety. Officers benefit from the city's diverse population and progressive policies. The King County Department of Corrections is a leading employer in the field.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $73,817
    LA offers excitement and diversity. Officers work in one of the largest cities in the country, with opportunities to make a real impact. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California Department of Corrections provide varied career paths.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $70,340
    Portland combines a laid-back atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Corrections officers here enjoy a supportive environment and a commitment to public safety. The Multnomah County Jail is a major workplace in the area.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $69,315
    Atlanta's growing economy and diverse culture create a vibrant workplace. Officers benefit from a mix of urban and suburban settings. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office offers many opportunities for professional development.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Atlanta, GA


  7. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $69,110
    Honolulu offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Corrections officers enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. The Department of Public Safety provides a supportive and inclusive work environment.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Honolulu, HI


  8. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $69,109
    Philadelphia’s rich history and cultural diversity make it a compelling place to work. Officers enjoy a vibrant city life with many opportunities for growth. The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections offer extensive support.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  9. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $68,807
    Madison provides a perfect mix of urban amenities and small-town charm. Corrections officers here enjoy a collaborative work environment. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offers many training and development opportunities.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Madison, WI


  10. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $67,003
    Lincoln offers a stable and family-friendly environment. Officers enjoy a strong sense of community and professional support. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services provides a well-regarded workplace.
    Find Corrections Officer jobs in Lincoln, NE

What are the best companies a Corrections Officer can work for?

Job seekers looking to become corrections officers can find attractive salaries at several reputable companies. Pulse Clinical Alliance offers the highest average salary at $108,350. Other top employers include the Oregon Department of Corrections and the State of Nebraska, each offering competitive wages. These agencies provide rewarding career opportunities with good compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Corrections Officer jobs, highlighting Pulse Clinical Alliance with the highest at $108,350 and Milwaukee County with the lowest at $65,030.
  1. Pulse Clinical Alliance
    Average Salary: $108,350
    Pulse Clinical Alliance offers Corrections Officer jobs with competitive salaries. This company operates throughout the United States, providing opportunities for those who wish to make a difference in the field of corrections. The roles often involve ensuring the safety and security of facilities and inmates.


  2. Oregon Department of Corrections
    Average Salary: $80,369
    The Oregon Department of Corrections offers Corrections Officer positions with a strong average salary. This state agency operates in Oregon, providing stable employment with benefits. Corrections Officers here work to maintain order and ensure the safety of staff and inmates in various correctional facilities across the state.


  3. State of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $77,513
    The State of Nebraska provides Corrections Officer jobs with a respectable average salary. The state operates several correctional facilities across Nebraska. Corrections Officers in this role are responsible for the safety and security of inmates and ensuring that facility operations run smoothly.


  4. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $76,675
    The State of Washington offers Corrections Officer positions with a solid average salary. This state agency runs multiple correctional institutions across Washington. Corrections Officers work to maintain order, safety, and security within these facilities, supporting both inmates and staff.


  5. Washington State Department of Corrections
    Average Salary: $72,757
    The Washington State Department of Corrections provides Corrections Officer roles with a competitive average salary. Operating throughout Washington, this agency offers a variety of positions in different correctional facilities. Corrections Officers ensure safety, manage inmates, and support facility operations.


  6. Federal Bureau of Prisons
    Average Salary: $68,876
    The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers Corrections Officer jobs with a robust average salary. This federal agency operates nationwide. Corrections Officers here ensure the safety and security of federal inmates, playing a key role in maintaining order in federal correctional facilities.


  7. Colorado Department of Corrections
    Average Salary: $66,891
    The Colorado Department of Corrections provides Corrections Officer positions with a solid average salary. This state agency runs correctional facilities across Colorado. Corrections Officers in this role are vital in ensuring the safety and security of inmates and maintaining order within the facilities.


  8. State of Colorado
    Average Salary: $65,844
    The State of Colorado offers Corrections Officer jobs with a respectable average salary. This state agency operates multiple correctional institutions across Colorado. Corrections Officers here maintain order, ensure the safety of staff and inmates, and support the daily operations of the facilities.


  9. Texas Department of Criminal Justice
    Average Salary: $65,285
    The Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides Corrections Officer roles with a solid average salary. This state agency operates across Texas. Corrections Officers work to maintain the safety and security of inmates, ensuring a safe environment in correctional facilities across the state.


  10. Milwaukee County
    Average Salary: $65,030
    Milwaukee County offers Corrections Officer jobs with a solid average salary. Operating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this county provides various opportunities for Corrections Officers. These roles involve maintaining order and safety in county correctional facilities, supporting both inmates and staff.

How to earn more as a Corrections Officer?

Becoming a Corrections Officer offers many opportunities for professional growth and salary enhancement. By focusing on the right strategies, it is possible to earn more in this vital role. Experience and education can significantly impact earning potential. Over time, officers gain valuable experience, making them more attractive to employers who are willing to offer higher salaries. Continuous professional development through training and certifications can also boost earning potential.

The pursuit of higher education plays a crucial role in increasing earnings. Officers who obtain degrees or specialized certifications often find themselves in higher-paying positions. Networking within the corrections community can lead to better job opportunities. Building relationships with colleagues and supervisors can open doors to higher-paying positions or promotions. Job seekers should always consider the potential for overtime and additional duties, as these can provide extra income. Finally, location can greatly affect salary. Officers in certain regions or with specific departments may earn more due to the cost of living or demand for corrections personnel.

Focusing on these factors can help Corrections Officers earn more in their career. This approach ensures a positive trajectory in both professional growth and financial rewards.

Here are key factors to consider:

  • Experience and tenure
  • Higher education and certifications
  • Networking and professional relationships
  • Opportunities for overtime and additional duties
  • Geographical location and department

Currently 812 Corrections Officer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Corrections Officer in the US?

Learn what a Corrections Officer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Corrections Officer today.
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Corrections Officer
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