Public Service Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Correctional Officer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median correctional officer salary in Chicago, IL is $53,083 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$53,083
vs State Avg
+$5,953
vs National
+$3,473
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median correctional officer salary of $53,083, which is $5,953 above the Illinois state average of $47,130. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% 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 Chicago spans from $35,310 at the 10th percentile to $83,460 at the 90th percentile — a $48,150 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,450, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,040. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $37,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,450
+$2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,500
+$3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,040
+$5,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $35,310
25th Percentile $41,730
Median (50th) $53,083
75th Percentile $67,410
90th Percentile $83,460

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$53,579
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$47,130
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$42,169
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$40,680
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Chicago

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open correctional officer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $53,083 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $35,310 (10th percentile) to $83,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,083, a correctional officer in Chicago earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Chicago's median correctional officer salary of $53,083 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $47,130. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $53,083 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Chicago? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Chicago 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.