Public Service Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Correctional Officer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median correctional officer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $50,602 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$50,602
vs State Avg
+$2,976
vs National
+$992
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median correctional officer salary of $50,602, which is $2,976 above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,626. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $33,660 at the 10th percentile to $79,560 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,440. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,440
+$1,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $33,660
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $50,602
75th Percentile $64,260
90th Percentile $79,560

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$46,633
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$46,137
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$43,657
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$41,672
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open correctional officer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $50,602 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $79,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,602, a correctional officer in Philadelphia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median correctional officer salary of $50,602 is 6.2% above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,626. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $50,602 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Philadelphia 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.