Highest-Paying Correction Officer Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of correction officers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of correction officers:

• Detective is the highest-paid type of correction officer with an average salary of $57,984 and an average hourly rate of $27.88.

• The second highest-paying type of correction officer is criminal investigator, with an average salary of $54,520.

• The average correction officer salary is $39,369 per year, and the average hourly pay is $18.93.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a correction officer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of correction officers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of correction officers:

1. Detective

   Average Salary: $57,984

   A detective is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations for criminal activities, potential threats, and other law-violating incidents, coordinating closely with law-enforcement agencies and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives often work on the field, gathering data and related evidence to support claims and connect the timeline of events. They keep an organized record of their findings for further validation before reporting it to the authority. A detective must have excellent investigative and critical-thinking skills, especially on solving puzzles and security solutions.

2. Criminal Investigator

   Average Salary: $54,520

   A criminal investigator is a law enforcement professional who endeavors to solve felony crimes. Criminal investigators may work alone or as a member of an investigative team whose goal is to uncover the certainty of a case and potentially keep suspects to prevent the ensuing criminal activity. Their tasks and responsibilities depend on various job functions and specialties. They may specialize in the information and evidence of a crime scene, conduct interviews and searches, or perform surveillance.

3. Deputy

   Average Salary: $53,682

   The duties of a deputy vary on their line of work or place of employment. In law enforcement, a deputy is primarily in charge of conducting investigations on crimes and arresting criminals, performing regular patrols on streets, responding to calls of distress, and assisting citizens in calamities, disasters, accidents, or any forms of threat. There are also instances when a deputy must serve court documents, transport detainees or suspected criminals, and monitor courtrooms. Furthermore, a deputy reports to higher-ranking officers such as a sheriff.

4. Police Officer

   Average Salary: $52,638

   Police officers are responsible for keeping peace and security in a community. They uphold and enforce the law. They ensure that people in their assigned community follow the law. They also ensure that proper sanctions are given out to anyone who does not follow. Some police officers are assigned in the field, meaning they work outside of police stations. Those assigned to police stations are responsible for maintaining administrative matters as well, aside from maintaining peace and order. Police officers are expected to be trustworthy, to work with honor, and to keep their integrity intact.

5. Reserve Officer

   Average Salary: $51,866

Below is a full table of the average pay for various correction officer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Correction Officers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for correction officers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Correction Officer Jobs FAQs

1. 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 is $ 27.88 hourly.

   A detective is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations for criminal activities, potential threats, and other law-violating incidents, coordinating closely with law-enforcement agencies and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives often work on the field, gathering data and related evidence to support claims and connect the timeline of events. They keep an organized record of their findings for further validation before reporting it to the authority. A detective must have excellent investigative and critical-thinking skills, especially on solving puzzles and security solutions.

2. 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, so those making at least $39,369 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average correction officer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a correction officer, the average entry level salary is $28,002, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $39,369 average, as this includes all correction officers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Correction Officer jobs pay well?

   No, correction officer jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some correction officer jobs pay better than others, but the average correction officer salary of $39,369 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many correction officer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of correction officers earning $50,172 a year on average.

   Correction Officers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a correction officer. Do your research on the going rate for a correction officer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do correction officers get paid the most?

   Correction Officers get paid the most in Nevada. In Nevada, correction officers earn an average annual salary of $49,301 and an average hourly wage of $23.70.

   Following NV, the states with the highest-paid correction officers are Hawaii, Washington, and New York, with average annual salaries of $59,246, $51,191, and $52,522 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid correction officer salaries are:

   1. Urban Honolulu, HI – $59,248

   2. Santa Cruz, CA – $52,405

   3. Olympia, WA – $52,271

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.