Public Service San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Correctional Officer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median correctional officer salary in San Francisco, CA is $90,290 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$90,290
vs State Avg
+$21,828
vs National
+$40,680
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median correctional officer salary of $90,290, which is $21,828 above the California state average of $68,462. Compared to the national median of $49,610, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,290 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in San Francisco spans from $60,060 at the 10th percentile to $141,960 at the 90th percentile — a $81,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,040. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
+$28,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,000
+$41,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,040
+$59,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $60,060
25th Percentile $70,980
Median (50th) $90,290
75th Percentile $114,660
90th Percentile $141,960

Correctional Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$83,345
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$72,431
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$70,446
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$58,540
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Correctional Officer in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open correctional officer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Correctional Officer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in San Francisco, California is $90,290 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $60,060 (10th percentile) to $141,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,290, a correctional officer in San Francisco earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median correctional officer salary of $90,290 is 31.9% above the California state average of $68,462. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $90,290 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in San Francisco 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.