Public Service Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Correctional Officer Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median correctional officer salary in Paterson, NJ is $52,091 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$52,091
vs State Avg
$-4,960
vs National
+$2,481
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median correctional officer salary of $52,091, which is $4,960 below the New Jersey state average of $57,051. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $34,650 at the 10th percentile to $81,900 at the 90th percentile — a $47,250 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,750, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,600. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,600
+$3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $34,650
25th Percentile $40,950
Median (50th) $52,091
75th Percentile $66,150
90th Percentile $81,900

Correctional Officer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$63,501
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$57,051
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$55,563
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$53,579
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Paterson

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Paterson

Browse open correctional officer positions in Paterson, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Paterson

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $52,091 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $34,650 (10th percentile) to $81,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,091, a correctional officer in Paterson earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Paterson's median correctional officer salary of $52,091 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $57,051. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $52,091 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Paterson? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Paterson 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.