Public Service Worcester, MA Pop. 206,518

Correctional Officer Salary in Worcester, Massachusetts

The median correctional officer salary in Worcester, MA is $54,571 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$54,571
vs State Avg
$-12,403
vs National
+$4,961
Cost of Living
110%

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

Worcester offers a median correctional officer salary of $54,571, which is $12,403 below the Massachusetts state average of $66,974. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Worcester pays above average for this role.

Worcester's cost of living is 110% 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 Worcester spans from $36,300 at the 10th percentile to $85,800 at the 90th percentile — a $49,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 206,518, Worcester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Worcester by Experience

In Worcester, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $38,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
+$7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Worcester, MA

Percentile Worcester
10th Percentile $36,300
25th Percentile $42,900
Median (50th) $54,571
75th Percentile $69,300
90th Percentile $85,800

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$79,376
Pop. 118,403
Boston, MA
$75,407
Pop. 675,647
Lowell, MA
$52,091
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$48,618
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Worcester

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Worcester

Browse open correctional officer positions in Worcester, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Worcester

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Worcester, MA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Worcester, Massachusetts is $54,571 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $36,300 (10th percentile) to $85,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Worcester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,571, a correctional officer in Worcester earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Worcester compare to the Massachusetts state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Worcester's median correctional officer salary of $54,571 is 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average of $66,974. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Worcester, MA? ▼
Worcester has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $54,571 in Worcester has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Worcester? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Worcester 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.