Public Service Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Minnesota

The median correctional officer salary in Minnesota is $48,122 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$48,122
vs National
$-1,488
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for correctional officer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $48,122 per year, correctional officers in Minnesota earn $1,488 less than the national median of $49,610.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning correctional officer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $32,010, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $75,660 — a $43,650 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $52,091.

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced correctional officers with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Correctional Officer Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $33,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,840 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,950
$-1,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,500
$-1,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,840
$-2,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $32,010
25th Percentile $37,830
Median (50th) $48,122
75th Percentile $61,110
90th Percentile $75,660

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Minnesota

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Minnesota is $48,122 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $32,010 (10th percentile) to $75,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,122, a correctional officer in Minnesota earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $33,950, while senior professionals earn $69,840.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Minnesota's median of $48,122 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($48,618) and Arizona ($48,122).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Minnesota earns approximately $33,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,840.
What city in Minnesota pays correctional officers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for correctional officers, with a median salary of $52,091. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.