Public Service Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Correctional Officer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median correctional officer salary in Cambridge, MA is $79,376 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$79,376
vs State Avg
+$12,402
vs National
+$29,766
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median correctional officer salary of $79,376, which is $12,402 above the Massachusetts state average of $66,974. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $79,376 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Cambridge spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $124,800 at the 90th percentile — a $72,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,200. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
+$30,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
+$43,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $62,400
Median (50th) $79,376
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $124,800

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$75,407
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Cambridge 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 Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open correctional officer positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $79,376 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $124,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,376, a correctional officer in Cambridge earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median correctional officer salary of $79,376 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $66,974. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $79,376 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Cambridge? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Cambridge 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.