Research Summary. Leveraging a blend of publicly available government data and insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for correction officer roles across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paid correction officer positions based on their average annual salaries.
Our findings highlight the following highest-paying correction officer roles:
-
Detective ranks as the top-earning correction officer with an average salary of $57,984 and an hourly rate of $27.88.
-
The second highest-paid correction officer is the criminal investigator, earning an average salary of $54,520.
-
The overall average salary for correction officers is $39,369 annually, equating to an hourly pay of $18.93.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it’s not the sole factor. For those aspiring to become correction officers, understanding the highest-paying positions can guide your career trajectory.
Here are the leading salaries for various types of correction officers:
-
Detective
Average Salary: $57,984
A detective conducts thorough investigations into criminal activities and potential threats, collaborating closely with law enforcement and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives typically work in the field to gather evidence and document findings, which are crucial for validating claims and reconstructing events. Strong investigative and analytical skills are essential in this role.
-
Criminal Investigator
Average Salary: $54,520
A criminal investigator works to solve felony crimes, either independently or as part of a team. Their responsibilities may include gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and performing surveillance to determine the facts of a case.
-
Deputy
Average Salary: $53,682
As a law enforcement professional, a deputy is responsible for investigating crimes, making arrests, performing patrols, and responding to emergencies. Deputies also serve legal documents and ensure courtroom security.
-
Police Officer
Average Salary: $52,638
Police officers maintain public safety and enforce laws within their communities. Their duties include patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, and addressing administrative tasks when stationed at police departments.
-
Reserve Officer
Average Salary: $51,866
Below, you will find a comprehensive table showcasing the average pay for various correction officer roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Correction Officers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detective | |
| 2 | Criminal Investigator | |
| 3 | Deputy | |
| 4 | Police Officer | |
| 5 | Reserve Officer | |
| 6 | Loss Prevention Specialist | |
| 7 | Juvenile Corrections Officer | |
| 8 | Protective Officer | |
| 9 | Detention Officer | |
| 10 | Law Enforcement Officer | |
| 11 | Parking Enforcement Officer | |
| 12 | Loss Prevention Analyst | |
| 13 | Military Police Officer | |
| 14 | Community Services Officer | |
| 15 | Public Safety Officer | |
| 16 | Loss Prevention Agent | |
| 17 | Patrol Officer | |
| 18 | Police Cadet | |
| 19 | Security Patrol Officer | |
| 20 | Security Officer |
Methodology
Zippia employs publicly available data from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to derive salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for the latest salary information for correction officers.
After collecting the data, a weighted average is computed for each job title. For further details on our salary estimates, please consult our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Correction Officer Jobs FAQs
-
What is the highest-paid correction officer job?
The highest-paid correction officer job is a detective. Detectives earn an average salary of $57,984, which translates to $27.88 hourly.
Detectives are tasked with conducting comprehensive investigations related to criminal activity and potential threats, working closely with law enforcement and crime intelligence analysts. Their role involves fieldwork to collect data and evidence, ensuring accurate documentation for reporting. Investigative and analytical skills are crucial in this profession.
-
What is a good salary for a correction officer?
A good salary for a correction officer is $39,369 or more. The average correction officer salary is $39,369, indicating that those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale.
However, it’s important to note that the average salary can vary by location, as pay scales often reflect the cost of living in different areas. Researching local salaries can provide a clearer picture of compensation for your expertise and experience level.
For those entering the field, the average starting salary is around $28,002, so it’s advisable not to gauge your compensation solely on the average, as it encompasses all levels of experience.
-
Do Correction Officer jobs pay well?
No, correction officer jobs generally do not pay well. While there are variances within the industry, the average salary for correction officers is $39,369, which is below the national average salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
Nonetheless, many correction officer roles offer significant earning potential, especially with the top 10% earning around $50,172 annually.
Correction officer salaries will fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s wise to consider these factors when job hunting. Conduct research on prevailing salaries in your area and leverage that information during salary negotiations.
-
Where do correction officers get paid the most?
Correction Officers receive the highest pay in Nevada. In Nevada, they earn an average annual salary of $49,301, with an hourly wage of $23.70.
Following Nevada, the states with the highest-paid correction officers include Hawaii, Washington, and New York, averaging salaries of $59,246, $51,191, and $52,522 respectively.
The cities with the most lucrative correction officer salaries are:
-
Urban Honolulu, HI – $59,248
-
Santa Cruz, CA – $52,405
-
Olympia, WA – $52,271
-
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
