How To Become A Correctional Officer (continued)
Earnings
Median annual earnings of correctional officers and jailers were $33,600 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,560 and $44,200. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,630, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,820. Median annual earnings in the public sector were $44,700 in the Federal Government, $33,750 in State government, and $33,080 in local government.
Median annual earnings of first-line supervisors/managers of correctional officers were $44,720 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,070 and $60,550. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,990. Median annual earnings were $41,080 in State government and $49,470 in local government.
Median annual earnings of bailiffs were $33,870 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $24,710 and $44,240. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,930, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,770. Median annual earnings were $30,410 in local government.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities for correctional officers are expected to be excellent. The need to replace correctional officers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force, coupled with rising employment demand, will generate thousands of job openings each year. In the past, some local and State corrections agencies have experienced difficulty in attracting and keeping qualified applicants, largely because of low salaries, shift work, and the concentration of jobs in rural locations. This situation is expected to continue.
The following schools offer criminal justice degrees which can help you gain the skills to become a Correctional Officer:
If you are seeking to begin a career as a corrections officer, explore these online criminal justice degree programs that can get you there and request free no obligation information from any that interest you. We recommend getting information from several colleges so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.
Law Enforcement (Bachelor's)
Kaplan University - If you are seeking to advance your criminal justice career in law enforcement, private security, or corrections or to pursue entry-level opportunities, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program will help you meet your career goals. [ Request Information ]
Stonecliffe College Online
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree program features a concentration in Law Enforcement. This industry-current, career-focused degree program gives you enough time to pace yourself while deciding what type of career to pursue. Successful completion of this degree program can help qualify you to pursue such career opportunities as an Asset Protection Specialist, Private Investigator/Detective, State Trooper and many others. full degree description
Read More: Quiz: Would you make a good Police Officer?
Find out more about your criminal justice degree online.
Correctional Officer
Attorney
Police Officer
Crime Scene Investigator
Homeland Security
FBI Agent
Substance Abuse Counselor
Criminal Justice Degree Finder
Use our online request form to get information about the best online criminal justice degree for you.
Criminal Justice Careers
Read more information about earning your criminal justice degree, online learning, choosing a school and employment in the field of criminal justice using the drop down list below.
Criminal Justice Job Board
Daily updates to criminal justice jobs available across the country. Use our job finder tool to find the best employment opportunities in your area.
