Public Service Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Correctional Officer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median correctional officer salary in Boston, MA is $75,407 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$75,407
vs State Avg
+$8,433
vs National
+$25,797
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median correctional officer salary of $75,407, which is $8,433 above the Massachusetts state average of $66,974. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,407 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Boston spans from $50,160 at the 10th percentile to $118,560 at the 90th percentile — a $68,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,440. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,440
+$37,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $50,160
25th Percentile $59,280
Median (50th) $75,407
75th Percentile $95,760
90th Percentile $118,560

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$79,376
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$54,571
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$52,091
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$48,618
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Boston

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Boston

Browse open correctional officer positions in Boston, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Boston

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $75,407 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $50,160 (10th percentile) to $118,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,407, a correctional officer in Boston earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Boston's median correctional officer salary of $75,407 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $66,974. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $75,407 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Boston? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Boston 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.