Public Service Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Correctional Officer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median correctional officer salary in Austin, TX is $52,091 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$52,091
vs State Avg
+$6,450
vs National
+$2,481
Cost of Living
105%

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

Austin offers a median correctional officer salary of $52,091, which is $6,450 above the Texas state average of $45,641. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $34,650 at the 10th percentile to $81,900 at the 90th percentile — a $47,250 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,750, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,600. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,600
+$3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $34,650
25th Percentile $40,950
Median (50th) $52,091
75th Percentile $66,150
90th Percentile $81,900

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$49,610
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$47,626
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$45,641
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$43,657
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Austin

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Austin

Browse open correctional officer positions in Austin, TX:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Austin

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Austin, Texas is $52,091 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $34,650 (10th percentile) to $81,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,091, a correctional officer in Austin earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Austin's median correctional officer salary of $52,091 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $45,641. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $52,091 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Austin? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Austin 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.