Public Service Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Correctional Officer Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median correctional officer salary in Dover, DE is $47,626 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.9% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$47,626
vs State Avg
$-2,480
vs National
$-1,984
Cost of Living
96%

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

Dover offers a median correctional officer salary of $47,626, which is $2,480 below the Delaware state average of $50,106. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for correctional officers in Dover spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $74,880 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,120. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,120
$-2,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $37,440
Median (50th) $47,626
75th Percentile $60,480
90th Percentile $74,880

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$52,091
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$50,602
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$49,114
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$48,618
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Dover

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Dover

Browse open correctional officer positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Dover

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Dover, Delaware is $47,626 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $74,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,626, a correctional officer in Dover earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Dover's median correctional officer salary of $47,626 is 4.9% below the Delaware state average of $50,106. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $47,626 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Dover? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Dover 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.