Public Service Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Correctional Officer Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median correctional officer salary in Great Falls, MT is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$43,657
vs State Avg
$-3,473
vs National
$-5,953
Cost of Living
88%

Correctional Officer Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median correctional officer salary of $43,657, which is $3,473 below the Montana state average of $47,130. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls'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 Great Falls an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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 Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
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 Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$57,051
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$50,602
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$47,626
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$46,633
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Great Falls

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open correctional officer positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,657, a correctional officer in Great Falls earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Great Falls's median correctional officer salary of $43,657 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $47,130. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $43,657 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Great Falls? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Great Falls 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.