Public Service Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Montana

The median correctional officer salary in Montana is $47,130 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$47,130
vs National
$-2,480
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for correctional officer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $47,130 per year, correctional officers in Montana earn $2,480 less than the national median of $49,610.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning correctional officer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $31,350, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,100 — a $42,750 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $57,051.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,400
$-3,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $31,350
25th Percentile $37,050
Median (50th) $47,130
75th Percentile $59,850
90th Percentile $74,100

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Montana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Montana

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Montana? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Montana is $47,130 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $31,350 (10th percentile) to $74,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,130, a correctional officer in Montana earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $33,250, while senior professionals earn $68,400.
How does Montana compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Montana's median of $47,130 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($47,626) and Illinois ($47,130).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Montana earns approximately $33,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,400.
What city in Montana pays correctional officers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for correctional officers, with a median salary of $57,051. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.