Public Service Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Correctional Officer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median correctional officer salary in Erie, PA is $41,672 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$41,672
vs State Avg
$-5,954
vs National
$-7,938
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median correctional officer salary of $41,672, which is $5,954 below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,626. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $41,672 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Erie spans from $27,720 at the 10th percentile to $65,520 at the 90th percentile — a $37,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,480. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $27,720
25th Percentile $32,760
Median (50th) $41,672
75th Percentile $52,920
90th Percentile $65,520

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$50,602
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$46,633
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$46,137
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$43,657
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Erie

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Erie

Browse open correctional officer positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Erie

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $41,672 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $27,720 (10th percentile) to $65,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,672, a correctional officer in Erie earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Erie's median correctional officer salary of $41,672 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,626. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $41,672 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Erie? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Erie 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.