Prison officers, also known as correctional officers, are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been incarcerated in jails, prisons, and other detention facilities. Their duties include maintaining security and order, enforcing rules and regulations, supervising inmate activities, and supporting rehabilitation efforts. Prison officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system, but their jobs also come with risks and challenges. One common question many have is how much prison officers make for their important yet demanding work. This article will provide an overview of prison officer salaries, factors that influence their compensation, and how their pay compares to similar professions.
Salary Overview for Prison Officers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for correctional officers and jailers in the United States as of 2021 is $47,850.1 However, salaries can vary considerably based on factors like location, experience level, and type of facility.
Here is a look at the range of salaries typically earned by prison officers:
- Entry-level salaries tend to be in the range of $30,000 to $40,000. Those just starting out in the profession often make around minimum wage.
- Mid-level salaries for experienced officers are commonly in the $40,000 to $60,000 range.
- Late-career and supervisory roles may earn $60,000 to $80,000 or more. High level administrators can make six figures.
- The highest paid 10% of correctional officers earn $79,060 or above.1
- The lowest paid 10% earn $32,670 or less.1
Salaries also differ based on type of correctional facility:
- Federal prison officers tend to be the highest paid, with average salaries around $57,100.1 High level federal prison administrators can earn well into the six figures.
- State prison officers have average salaries around $51,100.1
- Local jail officers tend to have the lowest salaries, averaging around $45,300 annually.1
In addition to base salaries, prison officers may also receive overtime pay and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement, adding to their total compensation.
Factors Influencing Prison Officer Pay
There are a number of factors that influence how much a correctional officer earns, including:
Location
Salaries can vary significantly depending on what state and city an officer works in. Areas with a higher cost of living will generally pay officers more to adjust for regional differences. For example, officers in New York and California tend to earn among the highest pay, while lower salaries are more common in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Experience and Rank
Like most careers, prison officers see their salaries increase with greater experience and responsibility. Those in supervisory or managerial roles will be at the higher end of the pay scale. A warden or director of a major prison facility can earn well into six figures.
Facility Type and Size
As mentioned, officers in federal and state prisons tend to earn more than local jails. Larger facilities with higher security levels and larger inmate populations also generally offer better compensation than smaller city or county jails.
Education
Most correctional officer jobs require a high school diploma or GED. However, having some college coursework or a degree can give candidates an advantage and lead to higher pay. Many facilities also offer pay incentives for bilingual officers.
Hazards and Risks
Working in a correctional environment carries inherent risks and hazards. Facilities with a history of violence, gang issues, and frequent attempted escapes may compensate officers at higher rates due to the challenging nature of the job. Pay differentials may also be offered for certain posts or shifts.
Prison Officer Pay vs. Police Officers
Given the nature of their work, prison officer salaries are often compared to those of police officers. However, despite having some overlapping duties, these two criminal justice professions differ in several ways:
- On average, police officers tend to be better compensated than correctional officers. Nationwide, the average annual salary for police and sheriff’s patrol officers is $67,600.1
- Prison officers work set schedules in one primary location. Police officers may work irregular hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and have patrol duties across a wider geographic region.
- Police work is generally more dangerous and unpredictable due to frequent interaction with armed, violent offenders in public settings. Prison facilities typically have more controlled environments.
- Advancement opportunities may be more plentiful and rapid in policing agencies versus correctional systems.
- Police officers usually have higher educational requirements compared to jail/prison officers. Many states and agencies require new police recruits to have at least an associate’s degree or 60 college credits.
So while both roles are difficult and important, the higher pay, external risks, and skill demands tend to make policing a more lucrative career path overall. However, correctional officers often have better benefits and job security working for government agencies. Both provide stable employment in the criminal justice domain.
Notable Convictions of Prison Officers
While the vast majority of correctional officers abide by ethical codes of conduct, every profession unfortunately has some who engage in criminal behavior. Here are a few notable cases of prison guards being convicted for illegal activity:
Officer Jennifer Owens – Federal Correctional Facility in Tallahassee, Florida
- Convicted in 2021 of sexually assaulting an inmate. Sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Sergeant Joshua Punt – Wasco State Prison in California
- Convicted in 2019 of assaulting an inmate. Sentenced to 2 years in prison.
Lieutenant Raul Rodriguez – Rikers Island Jail in New York
- Convicted in 2018 for accepting over $40,000 in bribes to smuggle contraband to inmates. Sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Officer Thomas Woodworth – Orleans Parish Prison in Louisiana
- Convicted in 2017 for brutally beating an inmate who later died from injuries. Sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Lieutenant Christopher Boone – Aramak Correctional Facility in Colorado
- Convicted in 2015 for coordinating distribution of drugs and contraband within prison. Sentenced to 15 years in prison.
These cases highlight abuse of power and corruption by a small minority of officers. But most facility staff aim to serve honorably. Strong ethics training and accountability measures help support a rehabilitative environment.
How much do prison officers make starting out?
Entry-level salaries tend to range from around $30,000 to $40,000 annually. Some facilities start corrections officers at minimum wage. With experience, pay can increase substantially.
Do prison officers make good money?
Compensation is modest but reasonable for the education requirements. Experienced officers can earn $60,000 to $80,000, with overtime and benefits providing additional compensation. High level administrators make six figures.
Do prison officers get paid weekly?
Most correctional officers are paid either weekly or bi-weekly, with full time employees eligible for benefits. Schedules often involve working weekends, nights, and holidays on rotating shifts. Overtime pay can supplement base wages.
What is the highest paying prison officer job?
Wardens and top administrators at large state and federal prison facilities tend to be the highest paid. Their annual salaries often exceed $100,000. Geographic location also impacts earning potential.
How dangerous is being a prison officer?
While injuries and fatalities are rare, prison officers do face some risks working directly with incarcerated individuals. Special hazard pay may be offered for assignments to specialized or high-security units. Strong safety procedures help mitigate risks.
Conclusion
Prison officers have a demanding yet rewarding job playing a vital role in the criminal justice process. Their annual salaries typically range from around $30,000 for entry level positions up to over $75,000 for experienced supervisors and administrators. Actual earning potential depends on factors like location, facility type, risks, and education.
While compensation is modest, stable government jobs with good benefits attract many to the field. However, the hazard pay and prestige is less than policing. With strong ethics and safety training, most correctional officers serve admirably despite the challenges. Their work provides an opportunity to positively impact incarcerated individuals and help guide them on a path to rehabilitation.