SOC 33-3012 · May 2025 · United States
Correctional Officers and Jailers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Correctional Officers and Jailers across the United States is $58,940 per year, measured over 380,500 jobs. The highest state median is in California, at $96,370.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Correctional Officers and Jailers
Pay for this occupation varies by 148.9% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. California pays $96,370 and Mississippi pays $38,720.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $96,370 | 37,860 | |
| 2 | New Jersey | $94,770 | 7,570 | |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $86,310 | 6,360 | |
| 4 | Oregon | $83,690 | 3,650 | |
| 5 | Washington | $79,460 | 6,800 | |
| 6 | Illinois | $79,190 | 12,190 | |
| 7 | New York | $76,820 | 27,770 | |
| 8 | Nevada | $76,490 | 3,240 | |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $73,470 | 7,360 | |
| 10 | Alaska | $71,360 | 850 |
States with the most Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 44,700 | $52,670 | |
| 2 | California | 37,860 | $96,370 | |
| 3 | New York | 27,770 | $76,820 | |
| 4 | Florida | 24,280 | $49,710 | |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 15,560 | $63,460 | |
| 6 | Arizona | 14,230 | $54,970 | |
| 7 | Ohio | 12,610 | $59,370 | |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,190 | $79,190 | |
| 9 | North Carolina | 11,900 | $50,550 | |
| 10 | Virginia | 11,270 | $50,140 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose | $132,670 | 1,050 |
| 2 | Salinas | $109,620 | 1,510 |
| 3 | Bakersfield | $107,220 | 3,280 |
| 4 | San Luis Obispo | $107,220 | 710 |
| 5 | Stockton | $107,220 | 1,220 |
| 6 | Vineland | $106,570 | 1,090 |
| 7 | San Francisco | $99,880 | 1,500 |
| 8 | Santa Maria | $94,740 | 470 |
| 9 | Riverside | $94,730 | 4,800 |
| 10 | Fresno | $94,010 | 2,660 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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