SalaryNode

Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Merced, CA

Correctional Officers and Jailers in Merced, CA, command an impressive average annual salary of $87,180. This figure substantially surpasses the national average of $53,130, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive compensation upwards.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,440.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.28, Merced, CA demonstrates a concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers that is 28% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and stable job market for these professionals within the area, indicating consistent demand that supports the current workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,180

The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in Merced, CA earns+64.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.9

Weekly

$1,677

Monthly

$7,265

Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, with corresponding salary increases. The gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies the value placed on experience, leadership, and specialized skills within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$59,770$28.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$65,385$31.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$98,550$47.4
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$108,975$52.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$115,440$55.5

Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$87,180

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $87,180 in Merced, CA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Correctional Officer's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

3.03

Per 1K Jobs

1.28

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.28, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.28 for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Merced, CA indicates a job market that is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a notable presence of these roles, the market is not oversaturated, implying a healthy level of competition and opportunity for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Correctional Officers and Jailers

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in Merced, CA?

The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Merced, CA is $87,180. This typically ranges from $59,770 for entry-level positions to $115,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 64.1% higher than the national median of $53,130.

Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Yes, Merced, CA is a lucrative location for Correctional Officers and Jailers.The average salary of $87,180 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.

Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($89,700) and Salinas, CA.

How does Merced's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Correctional Officers and Jailers in Merced, CA earn an average of $87,180 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $53,130.

What is the concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA has a higher concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.28.

Does the cost of living in Merced affect the salary advantage?

No, the cost of living in Merced is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary directly translates to greater purchasing power compared to the national average.

How many Correctional Officers and Jailers are employed in Merced, CA?

There are approximately 240 Correctional Officers and Jailers employed within Merced, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 3.03 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.