Public Service Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Correctional Officer Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median correctional officer salary in Jersey City, NJ is $63,501 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$63,501
vs State Avg
+$6,450
vs National
+$13,891
Cost of Living
128%

Correctional Officer Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median correctional officer salary of $63,501, which is $6,450 above the New Jersey state average of $57,051. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $63,501 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Jersey City spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $99,840 at the 90th percentile — a $57,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,800, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,160. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,000
+$14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,160
+$20,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $49,920
Median (50th) $63,501
75th Percentile $80,640
90th Percentile $99,840

Correctional Officer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Edison, NJ
$57,051
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$55,563
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$53,579
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$52,091
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open correctional officer positions in Jersey City, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $63,501 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $99,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,501, a correctional officer in Jersey City earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Jersey City's median correctional officer salary of $63,501 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $57,051. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $63,501 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Jersey City? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Jersey City 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.