Public Service Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Correctional Officer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median correctional officer salary in Denver, CO is $55,563 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$55,563
vs State Avg
+$3,472
vs National
+$5,953
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median correctional officer salary of $55,563, which is $3,472 above the Colorado state average of $52,091. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $55,563 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Denver spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $87,360 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,640. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
+$6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,640
+$8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $43,680
Median (50th) $55,563
75th Percentile $70,560
90th Percentile $87,360

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$63,501
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Denver

Browse open correctional officer positions in Denver, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Denver

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Denver, Colorado is $55,563 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $87,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,563, a correctional officer in Denver earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Denver's median correctional officer salary of $55,563 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $52,091. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $55,563 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Denver? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Denver 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.