Public Service Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Correctional Officer Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median correctional officer salary in Reading, PA is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$43,657
vs State Avg
$-3,969
vs National
$-5,953
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median correctional officer salary of $43,657, which is $3,969 below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,626. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,657 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Reading spans from $29,040 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $29,040
25th Percentile $34,320
Median (50th) $43,657
75th Percentile $55,440
90th Percentile $68,640

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
Erie, PA
$41,672
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Reading

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Reading

Browse open correctional officer positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Reading

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,040 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,657, a correctional officer in Reading earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Reading's median correctional officer salary of $43,657 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,626. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $43,657 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Reading? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Reading 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.