Prison Officer salary in United States Of America

Average Yearly Salary of Prison Officer in United States Of America is approximately 44,288 USD (44,540 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Prison Officer do?

A prison officer is responsible for maintaining security and order within a correctional facility. Their primary role is to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors by enforcing rules and regulations. They monitor inmate behavior, conduct searches for contraband items, and supervise daily activities such as meals, recreation, and work assignments. Prison officers also play a crucial role in rehabilitation by providing support and guidance to inmates, encouraging participation in educational and vocational programs, and facilitating access to healthcare services.

Skills: Prison officer, Correctional facility, Security, Safety, Rehabilitation, Inmate supervision
Job industry: Law enforcement

How much does Prison Officer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Prison Officer a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Prison Officer is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Prison Officer might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Prison Officer?

High salary for Prison Officer would be somewhere between 48,717 USD and 64,218 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Prison Officer in United States Of America?

Living in United States Of America the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 44,288 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,691 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 852 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 21 USD per hour
By working as Prison Officer a person can save up to 1,432 USD per month or 17,180 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States Of America, see costs of living in United States Of America.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Prison Officer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States Of America

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Actuarial assistant (73,935 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Family nurse practitioners (96,903 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Yard laborer (32,747 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Information technology specialist (63,373 USD per year, pre-tax.)
It help desk lead (50,689 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results