Public Service Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Correctional Officer Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median correctional officer salary in Buffalo, NY is $45,641 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$45,641
vs State Avg
$-14,883
vs National
$-3,969
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median correctional officer salary of $45,641, which is $14,883 below the New York state average of $60,524. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% 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 Buffalo spans from $30,360 at the 10th percentile to $71,760 at the 90th percentile — a $41,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,240. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $30,360
25th Percentile $35,880
Median (50th) $45,641
75th Percentile $57,960
90th Percentile $71,760

Correctional Officer Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$92,771
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$66,974
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$48,618
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$44,649
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open correctional officer positions in Buffalo, NY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Buffalo, New York is $45,641 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $30,360 (10th percentile) to $71,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,641, a correctional officer in Buffalo earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Buffalo's median correctional officer salary of $45,641 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $60,524. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $45,641 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Buffalo? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Buffalo 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.