Public Service Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Correctional Officer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median correctional officer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $72,431 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$72,431
vs State Avg
+$3,969
vs National
+$22,821
Cost of Living
146%

Correctional Officer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median correctional officer salary of $72,431, which is $3,969 above the California state average of $68,462. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $72,431 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Los Angeles spans from $48,180 at the 10th percentile to $113,880 at the 90th percentile — a $65,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,100, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,120. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $51,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,100
+$16,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,000
+$23,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,120
+$33,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $48,180
25th Percentile $56,940
Median (50th) $72,431
75th Percentile $91,980
90th Percentile $113,880

Correctional Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$90,290
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$83,345
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$70,446
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$58,540
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open correctional officer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Los Angeles, California is $72,431 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $48,180 (10th percentile) to $113,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,431, a correctional officer in Los Angeles earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median correctional officer salary of $72,431 is 5.8% above the California state average of $68,462. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $72,431 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Los Angeles 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.