Public Service Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Correctional Officer Salary in Helena, Montana

The median correctional officer salary in Helena, MT is $46,633 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$46,633
vs State Avg
$-497
vs National
$-2,977
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median correctional officer salary of $46,633, which is $497 below the Montana state average of $47,130. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $31,020 at the 10th percentile to $73,320 at the 90th percentile — a $42,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,900, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,680. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $32,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,680
$-4,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $31,020
25th Percentile $36,660
Median (50th) $46,633
75th Percentile $59,220
90th Percentile $73,320

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
Great Falls, MT
$43,657
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Helena

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Helena

Browse open correctional officer positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Helena

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Helena, Montana is $46,633 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $31,020 (10th percentile) to $73,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,633, a correctional officer in Helena earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Helena's median correctional officer salary of $46,633 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $47,130. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $46,633 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Helena? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Helena 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.