Public Service New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Correctional Officer Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median correctional officer salary in New Orleans, LA is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$48,618
vs State Avg
+$3,473
vs National
$-992
Cost of Living
98%

Correctional Officer Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median correctional officer salary of $48,618, which is $3,473 above the Louisiana state average of $45,145. Compared to the national median of $49,610, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $32,340 at the 10th percentile to $76,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,560. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,560 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

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

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$45,641
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$43,657
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$42,665
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$42,169
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Correctional Officer in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open correctional officer positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Correctional Officer make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in New Orleans, Louisiana 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 New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,618, a correctional officer in New Orleans earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
New Orleans's median correctional officer salary of $48,618 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $45,145. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $48,618 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in New Orleans? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in New Orleans 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.