Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers: Salary, How to Become, and What They Earn
The median pay for bailiffs, correctional officers, and jailers is $58,850 per year, which works out to roughly $28 an hour. The typical range runs from $42,620 at the 10th percentile to $93,220 at the 90th percentile, meaning most workers earn between those figures.
How much Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers earn
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for this occupation is $58,850. The mean annual wage is $63,540, translating to about $30.55 per hour. The bottom 10% earn $42,620 or less, while the top 10% earn $93,220 or more.
- Median: $58,850
- Mean: $63,540
- Hourly mean: $30.55
- 10th percentile: $42,620
- 90th percentile: $93,220
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level data for this specific occupation in the latest release. However, nationally the median is $58,850, and you can expect variation based on local cost of living and demand.
How to become a Bailiff, Correctional Officer, or Jailer
Entry requirements vary by employer and jurisdiction, but generally you need at least a high school diploma or GED. Many agencies prefer or require some college credits, a degree in criminal justice, or prior experience in security or law enforcement.
Most positions require completing a training academy or on-the-job training program. For correctional officers, federal jobs (Bureau of Prisons) require a bachelor's degree or three years of relevant experience. State and local roles often have lower barriers.
Additional requirements typically include: U.S. citizenship, minimum age (usually 18 or 21), clean criminal record, physical fitness test, drug screening, and background check. Some states require certification through a POST board or similar body.
- High school diploma or GED minimum; college preferred
- Training academy or on-the-job training
- Age, citizenship, background check
- Physical fitness and drug test
Job outlook
Employment for bailiffs, correctional officers, and jailers is projected to change little to none between 2024 and 2034. The BLS does not publish a specific growth rate for this occupation. Competition for jobs is expected to be strong, especially for federal positions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for bailiffs, correctional officers, and jailers?
The 10th percentile earns $42,620; the median is $58,850; the 90th percentile earns $93,220.
What education is needed to become a correctional officer?
A high school diploma is the minimum. Many agencies prefer some college or a degree in criminal justice. Federal positions require a bachelor's degree or three years of relevant experience.
Is the job outlook good for this career?
Employment is projected to have little to no change from 2024 to 2034. Competition is strong, especially for federal jobs.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers data.