Correctional Officers and Jailer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Correctional Officers and Jailers Make?
Correctional Officers and Jailers earn a median annual salary of $57,970 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $41,750 at the 10th percentile to $93,000 at the 90th percentile — a range of $51,250. The highest-paying state is California at $95,840.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,750 |
| 25th percentile | $47,520 |
| Median (50th) | $57,970 |
| 75th percentile | $75,330 |
| 90th percentile | $93,000 |
Correctional Officers and Jailer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $95,840 |
| New Jersey | $90,150 |
| Oregon | $83,120 |
| Massachusetts | $78,830 |
| Illinois | $78,750 |
| Nevada | $76,800 |
| Washington | $76,400 |
| New York | $75,330 |
| Wisconsin | $74,490 |
| Alaska | $71,360 |
| Hawaii | $66,250 |
| Michigan | $65,250 |
| Minnesota | $64,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,540 |
| Connecticut | $62,690 |
| Nebraska | $62,680 |
| Maryland | $62,380 |
| New Hampshire | $61,420 |
| Utah | $61,340 |
| Delaware | $61,000 |
| Colorado | $60,670 |
| Rhode Island | $60,170 |
| Ohio | $58,840 |
| North Dakota | $55,760 |
| Arizona | $54,970 |
| South Dakota | $52,310 |
| Wyoming | $51,740 |
| Tennessee | $51,490 |
| Idaho | $51,440 |
| Iowa | $51,420 |
| Maine | $51,270 |
| Texas | $51,020 |
| West Virginia | $49,990 |
| Virginia | $49,980 |
| Montana | $49,700 |
| Vermont | $49,110 |
| North Carolina | $49,080 |
| South Carolina | $48,470 |
| Florida | $48,260 |
| New Mexico | $47,420 |
| Alabama | $46,400 |
| Kansas | $46,080 |
| Indiana | $45,970 |
| Oklahoma | $45,970 |
| Georgia | $44,500 |
| Louisiana | $41,820 |
| Missouri | $41,310 |
| Arkansas | $40,330 |
| Kentucky | $40,230 |
| Mississippi | $36,710 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Correctional Officers and Jailers
Correctional Officers and Jailer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$41,750 – $47,520 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$57,970 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$75,330 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $93,000+ |
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officers and Jailer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Correctional Officers and Jailers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $131,210 — $73,240 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($75,330) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Correctional Officers and Jailer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailerthis career | $57,970 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $117,960 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 |
| Coroner | $78,420 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,110 |
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SOC: 33-3012.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.