Public Service Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Correctional Officer Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median correctional officer salary in Newark, NJ is $55,563 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 2.6% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$55,563
vs State Avg
$-1,488
vs National
+$5,953
Cost of Living
112%

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

Newark offers a median correctional officer salary of $55,563, which is $1,488 below the New Jersey state average of $57,051. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $55,563 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Newark spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $87,360 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,640. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
+$6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,640
+$8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $43,680
Median (50th) $55,563
75th Percentile $70,560
90th Percentile $87,360

Correctional Officer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$63,501
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$57,051
Pop. 107,588
Elizabeth, NJ
$53,579
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$52,091
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Newark

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Newark

Browse open correctional officer positions in Newark, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Newark

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Newark, New Jersey is $55,563 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $87,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,563, a correctional officer in Newark earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Newark's median correctional officer salary of $55,563 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $57,051. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $55,563 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Newark? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Newark 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.