Public Service Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Correctional Officer Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median correctional officer salary in Charlotte, NC is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$48,618
vs State Avg
+$2,977
vs National
$-992
Cost of Living
98%

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

Charlotte offers a median correctional officer salary of $48,618, which is $2,977 above the North Carolina state average of $45,641. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% 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 Charlotte spans from $32,340 at the 10th percentile to $76,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,560. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $32,340
25th Percentile $38,220
Median (50th) $48,618
75th Percentile $61,740
90th Percentile $76,440

Correctional Officer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$48,618
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$47,130
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$43,657
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$42,665
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Charlotte

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open correctional officer positions in Charlotte, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $32,340 (10th percentile) to $76,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,618, a correctional officer in Charlotte earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Charlotte's median correctional officer salary of $48,618 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $45,641. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $48,618 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Charlotte? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Charlotte 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.