Overview
Correction officers at state and federal facilities typically earn more than those at local jails, with the gap often exceeding $10,000 annually. Federal Bureau of Prisons positions offer the highest base pay in this category. Mandatory overtime is common across most facilities due to chronic staffing shortages, which meaningfully increases annual earnings above the base salary figures.
Highest-paying states
Annual median salary for Correction Officers by state (BLS OEWS 2024–2026)
Lowest-paying states
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $28,000 |
| Mississippi | $29,000 |
| South Carolina | $31,000 |
| Tennessee | $33,000 |
| Arkansas | $34,000 |
Benefits & total compensation
Base salary is only part of the picture. Government employers typically provide benefits packages that add 30–50% on top of base pay in total value. Key benefits for Correction Officers include:
- ✓Defined-benefit pension with early retirement eligibility (often 25 years)
- ✓Full health and dental benefits
- ✓Hazard pay at high-security facilities
- ✓Mandatory overtime (often adds $8,000–$20,000 annually)
- ✓Uniform and equipment allowance
- ✓Tuition reimbursement at many state agencies
What affects your pay
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Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023–2024. Figures represent median annual wages for workers in the listed occupation. Total compensation including benefits, overtime, and pension contributions may differ substantially from base salary. Last reviewed: April 2026.