Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $47,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $53,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Wilmington area contribute to this pay differential, reflecting a unique labor market dynamic for this essential public service role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 320 individuals in this role, the correctional officer and jailer job market in Wilmington, NC, represents a stable, albeit niche, sector. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but consistent demand that supports the existing workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in Wilmington, NC earns-9.7%below the national average.
$23.1
$923
$3,998
Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Wilmington, NC, have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in public service compensation and inflation adjustments. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings in this profession.
Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by salary increases. The gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals signifies the value placed on experience, specialized training, and demonstrated performance within the correctional system, reflecting a clear path for advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $40,080 | $19.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $35,978 | $17.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $48,240 | $23.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $59,963 | $28.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $56,960 | $27.4 |
Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,970 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.734
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.73x 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 0.73 indicates that Wilmington, NC, has a slightly lower concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Correctional Officers and Jailers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $54,700↑ 14% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $44,000↓ 8% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $47,160↓ 2% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $55,390↑ 15% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Correctional Officers and Jailerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Wilmington, NC is $47,970. This typically ranges from $40,080 for entry-level positions to $56,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 9.7% lower than the national median of $53,130.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $47,970 is below the national average of $53,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC ($54,700) and Goldsboro, NC.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 320 suggests a stable but not expansive job market, indicating consistent demand for correctional officers and jailers without rapid growth.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.73 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies a lower concentration of this profession compared to the national average, implying a potentially less competitive job market.
How does the Cost of Living in Wilmington compare nationally?
Wilmington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses for goods and services are typical.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Correctional Officers in Wilmington?
While specific local data isn't available, career paths typically exist for advancement to senior roles, which usually come with increased salary and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.734 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Correctional Officers and Jailers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wilmington, NC