Correctional Officer Salary in West Fargo, ND: $46,137 (2026)

Correctional Officer Pay in West Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

West Fargo offers a median correctional officer salary of $46,137, which is $1,488 above the North Dakota state average of $44,649. Compared to the national median of $49,610, West Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

West Fargo's cost of living is 93% 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 West Fargo spans from $30,690 at the 10th percentile to $72,540 at the 90th percentile — a $41,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,960. West Fargo is a smaller market (pop. 38,626), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in West Fargo by Experience

In West Fargo, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,550

$-2,450 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$46,500

$-3,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$66,960

$-5,040 vs national

Percentile	West Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$30,690	$29,700	$33,000
25th Percentile	$36,270	$35,100	$39,000
Median (50th)	$46,137	$44,649	$49,610
75th Percentile	$58,590	$56,700	$63,000
90th Percentile	$72,540	$70,200	$78,000

Percentile

West Fargo

10th Percentile

$30,690

25th Percentile

$36,270

Median (50th)

$46,137

75th Percentile

$58,590

90th Percentile

$72,540

How to Become a Correctional Officer in West Fargo

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in West Fargo

How much does a Correctional Officer make in West Fargo, ND? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in West Fargo, North Dakota is $46,137 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $30,690 (10th percentile) to $72,540 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in West Fargo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $46,137, a correctional officer in West Fargo earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does West Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

West Fargo's median correctional officer salary of $46,137 is 3.3% above the North Dakota state average of $44,649. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in West Fargo, ND? ▼

West Fargo has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $46,137 in West Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in West Fargo? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in West Fargo 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 West Fargo, North Dakota