SalaryNode

Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Waco, TX

Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $49,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $53,130, indicating that local economic factors and demand may influence compensation. While the national average serves as a benchmark, regional variations in the cost of living and the concentration of these roles play a significant part in determining local pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,030.
  • Outlook: Waco, TX, hosts a substantial workforce of 670 Correctional Officers and Jailers. With a Location Quotient of 2.18, this role is significantly more concentrated in Waco than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for these professionals. The presence of 5.156 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence and ongoing need for correctional staff within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,700

The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX earns-6.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.9

Weekly

$956

Monthly

$4,142

Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in Waco, TX

Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX, typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$44,660$21.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$37,275$17.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$48,430$23.3
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$62,125$29.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$55,030$26.5

Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,700

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $49,700 in Waco, TX, 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 Waco is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

5.156

Per 1K Jobs

2.18

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Waco, TX has 2.2x the national concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Waco, TX, exhibits a highly concentrated job market for Correctional Officers and Jailers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.18. This significantly above-average concentration indicates that these roles are more prevalent in Waco relative to the national landscape. Such a high quotient suggests a strong local demand and potentially a competitive environment for new entrants, while also signaling stability for existing professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in Waco, TX?

The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX is $49,700. This typically ranges from $44,660 for entry-level positions to $55,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 6.5% lower than the national median of $53,130.

Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $49,700 is stable and aligns with the national cost of living, it falls below the national average salary for the role. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.

Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($50,080) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.

How does Waco's cost of living compare to the national average?

Waco, TX, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Waco is comparable to the national average.

Is there high demand for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX?

Yes, the demand appears to be high, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.18, which is more than double the national average. This suggests a significant concentration of these jobs in Waco.

What is the total number of Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX?

There are approximately 670 Correctional Officers and Jailers employed in Waco, TX, contributing to the local workforce.

How does the average salary in Waco compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Waco, TX, is $49,700, which is slightly lower than the national average of $53,130.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 5.156 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.