Public Service Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Correctional Officer Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median correctional officer salary in Birmingham, AL is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$44,649
vs State Avg
+$1,488
vs National
$-4,961
Cost of Living
90%

Correctional Officer Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median correctional officer salary of $44,649, which is $1,488 above the Alabama state average of $43,161. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for correctional officers in Birmingham spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $44,649
75th Percentile $56,700
90th Percentile $70,200

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$45,641
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$43,657
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$42,665
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$42,169
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Birmingham

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open correctional officer positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Birmingham earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Birmingham's median correctional officer salary of $44,649 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $43,161. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $44,649 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Birmingham? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Birmingham require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.