SalaryNode

Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in California

Correctional Officers and Jailers in California earn a substantial average annual salary of $91,470, significantly outpacing the national average of $53,130. This considerable difference is largely attributable to California's robust economy, higher operational costs for facilities, and the demanding nature of the role within the state's unique correctional system.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $91,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,380.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 37,760 individuals, the demand for Correctional Officers and Jailers in California remains significant. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market that consistently requires skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$91,470

The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in California earns+72.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44

Weekly

$1,759

Monthly

$7,623

Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers in California typically involves a clear salary trajectory. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced responsibilities and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$62,880$30.2
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$68,603$33
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$95,840$46.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$114,338$55
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$111,380$53.5

Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$91,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,043

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $91,470 in California is impressive, it must be considered within the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while nominal earnings are high, the actual purchasing power may be moderated by the elevated expenses associated with living in the Golden State.

Job Market Context

37,760

Total Jobs

2.091

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.88x the national average concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that California has a slightly lower concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where demand is steady but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering opportunities for qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Correctional Officers and Jailers

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary$70,500↓ 23%25 mi
Fresno, CA Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary$89,700↓ 2%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary$94,880↑ 4%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary$101,770↑ 11%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in California is $91,470. This typically ranges from $62,880 for entry-level positions to $111,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 72.2% higher than the national median of $53,130.

Is California a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Yes, California is a lucrative state for Correctional Officers and Jailers.The average salary of $91,470 is substantially higher than the national average, reflecting strong earning potential despite a higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($70,500) and Fresno, CA.

How does California's average salary compare to the national average?

California's average annual salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers is $91,470, which is significantly higher than the national average of $53,130.

What is the Cost of Living Index in California?

California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, meaning it is 38.5% more expensive to live there than the national average.

How concentrated is the job market for Correctional Officers and Jailers in California?

The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand.

How many Correctional Officers and Jailers work in California?

There are approximately 37,760 Correctional Officers and Jailers employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 37,760 employees in the California area with a job density of 2.091 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Correctional Officers and Jailers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California