Public Service Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Correctional Officer Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median correctional officer salary in Boulder, CO is $63,501 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$63,501
vs State Avg
+$11,410
vs National
+$13,891
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median correctional officer salary of $63,501, which is $11,410 above the Colorado state average of $52,091. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $63,501 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Boulder spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $99,840 at the 90th percentile — a $57,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,800, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,160. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,000
+$14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,160
+$20,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $49,920
Median (50th) $63,501
75th Percentile $80,640
90th Percentile $99,840

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$55,563
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$52,587
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$52,091
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$49,610
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Boulder

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Boulder

Browse open correctional officer positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Boulder

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Boulder, Colorado is $63,501 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $99,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,501, a correctional officer in Boulder earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Boulder's median correctional officer salary of $63,501 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $52,091. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $63,501 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Boulder? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Boulder 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.