Public Service Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Correctional Officer Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median correctional officer salary in Tucson, AZ is $46,137 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$46,137
vs State Avg
$-1,985
vs National
$-3,473
Cost of Living
93%

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

Tucson offers a median correctional officer salary of $46,137, which is $1,985 below the Arizona state average of $48,122. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% 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 Tucson spans from $30,690 at the 10th percentile to $72,540 at the 90th percentile — a $41,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,960. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $30,690
25th Percentile $36,270
Median (50th) $46,137
75th Percentile $58,590
90th Percentile $72,540

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$55,563
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$50,602
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$49,610
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$48,122
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Tucson

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Tucson

Browse open correctional officer positions in Tucson, AZ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Tucson

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Tucson, Arizona is $46,137 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $30,690 (10th percentile) to $72,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,137, a correctional officer in Tucson earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Tucson's median correctional officer salary of $46,137 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $48,122. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $46,137 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Tucson? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Tucson 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.