Public Service Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Correctional Officer Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median correctional officer salary in Durham, NC is $47,130 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$47,130
vs State Avg
+$1,489
vs National
$-2,480
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median correctional officer salary of $47,130, which is $1,489 above the North Carolina state average of $45,641. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $31,350 at the 10th percentile to $74,100 at the 90th percentile — a $42,750 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,400. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,400
$-3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $31,350
25th Percentile $37,050
Median (50th) $47,130
75th Percentile $59,850
90th Percentile $74,100

Correctional Officer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$48,618
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$48,618
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$43,657
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$42,665
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Durham

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Durham

Browse open correctional officer positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Durham

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Durham, North Carolina is $47,130 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $31,350 (10th percentile) to $74,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,130, a correctional officer in Durham earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Durham's median correctional officer salary of $47,130 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $45,641. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $47,130 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Durham? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Durham 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.