Public Service Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Correctional Officer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median correctional officer salary in Detroit, MI is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$43,657
vs State Avg
$-992
vs National
$-5,953
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median correctional officer salary of $43,657, which is $992 below the Michigan state average of $44,649. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,657 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Detroit spans from $29,040 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $29,040
25th Percentile $34,320
Median (50th) $43,657
75th Percentile $55,440
90th Percentile $68,640

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$52,091
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$44,649
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$43,657
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$42,665
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Detroit

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open correctional officer positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,040 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,657, a correctional officer in Detroit earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Detroit's median correctional officer salary of $43,657 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $44,649. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $43,657 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Detroit? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Detroit 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.