Public Service Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Florida

The median correctional officer salary in Florida is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$48,618
vs National
$-992
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for correctional officer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $48,618 per year, correctional officers in Florida earn $992 less than the national median of $49,610.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning correctional officer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $32,340, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $76,440 — a $44,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $58,540.

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced correctional officers with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Correctional Officer Salary in Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,560 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $32,340
25th Percentile $38,220
Median (50th) $48,618
75th Percentile $61,740
90th Percentile $76,440

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Florida

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Florida has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Florida

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Florida's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Florida

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Florida? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Florida is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $32,340 (10th percentile) to $76,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,618, a correctional officer in Florida earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $34,300, while senior professionals earn $70,560.
How does Florida compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Florida's median of $48,618 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($50,106) and Vermont ($50,106).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Florida earns approximately $34,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $49,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $70,560.
What city in Florida pays correctional officers the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for correctional officers, with a median salary of $58,540. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.