Correctional Officer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $42,665 (2026)

Correctional Officer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median correctional officer salary of $42,665, which is $2,976 below the North Carolina state average of $45,641. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,665 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Winston-Salem spans from $28,380 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,100

$-4,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$28,380	$30,360	$33,000
25th Percentile	$33,540	$35,880	$39,000
Median (50th)	$42,665	$45,641	$49,610
75th Percentile	$54,180	$57,960	$63,000
90th Percentile	$67,080	$71,760	$78,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$28,380

25th Percentile

$33,540

Median (50th)

$42,665

75th Percentile

$54,180

90th Percentile

$67,080

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $42,665 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $28,380 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,665, a correctional officer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median correctional officer salary of $42,665 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $45,641. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $42,665 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Correctional Officer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina