Public Service San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Correctional Officer Salary in San Diego, California

The median correctional officer salary in San Diego, CA is $70,446 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$70,446
vs State Avg
+$1,984
vs National
+$20,836
Cost of Living
142%

Correctional Officer Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median correctional officer salary of $70,446, which is $1,984 above the California state average of $68,462. Compared to the national median of $49,610, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $70,446 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in San Diego spans from $46,860 at the 10th percentile to $110,760 at the 90th percentile — a $63,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,240. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $49,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,700
+$14,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,000
+$21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,240
+$30,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $46,860
25th Percentile $55,380
Median (50th) $70,446
75th Percentile $89,460
90th Percentile $110,760

Correctional Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$90,290
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$83,345
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$72,431
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$58,540
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Correctional Officer in San Diego

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in San Diego

Browse open correctional officer positions in San Diego, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in San Diego

How much does a Correctional Officer make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in San Diego, California is $70,446 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $46,860 (10th percentile) to $110,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,446, a correctional officer in San Diego earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
San Diego's median correctional officer salary of $70,446 is 2.9% above the California state average of $68,462. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $70,446 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in San Diego? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in San Diego 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.