Public Service Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Correctional Officer Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median correctional officer salary in Atlanta, GA is $50,602 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$50,602
vs State Avg
+$4,465
vs National
+$992
Cost of Living
102%

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

Atlanta offers a median correctional officer salary of $50,602, which is $4,465 above the Georgia state average of $46,137. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta spans from $33,660 at the 10th percentile to $79,560 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,440. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,440
+$1,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $33,660
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $50,602
75th Percentile $64,260
90th Percentile $79,560

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Savannah, GA
$45,641
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$44,649
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$43,657
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$42,665
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open correctional officer positions in Atlanta, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $50,602 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $79,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,602, a correctional officer in Atlanta earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Atlanta's median correctional officer salary of $50,602 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $46,137. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $50,602 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Atlanta? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Atlanta 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.