Public Service Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Louisiana

The median correctional officer salary in Louisiana is $45,145 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$45,145
vs National
$-4,465
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Correctional Officer salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,145 per year, correctional officers in Louisiana earn $4,465 less than the national median of $49,610.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $45,145 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $30,030, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,980 — a $40,950 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $48,618.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,850
$-3,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,500
$-4,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-6,480 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $45,145? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $30,030
25th Percentile $35,490
Median (50th) $45,145
75th Percentile $57,330
90th Percentile $70,980

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

New Orleans, LA
$48,618
Pop. 383,997 · COL 98%
Baton Rouge, LA
$45,641
Pop. 227,470 · COL 92%
Shreveport, LA
$42,169
Pop. 187,593 · COL 85%
Lafayette, LA
$43,657
Pop. 121,374 · COL 88%
Lake Charles, LA
$42,665
Pop. 80,000 · COL 86%

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 378,200 other Correctional Officers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Correctional Officer Roles in Louisiana?

Get matched with recruiters hiring correctional officers in Louisiana at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Indeed | LinkedIn | ZipRecruiter

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Louisiana? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Louisiana is $45,145 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $30,030 (10th percentile) to $70,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,145, a correctional officer in Louisiana earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $31,850, while senior professionals earn $65,520.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Louisiana's median of $45,145 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($45,641) and Wyoming ($45,641).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Louisiana earns approximately $31,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,520.
What city in Louisiana pays correctional officers the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for correctional officers, with a median salary of $48,618. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.