Public Service Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Correctional Officer Salary in Houston, Texas

The median correctional officer salary in Houston, TX is $47,626 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$47,626
vs State Avg
+$1,985
vs National
$-1,984
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median correctional officer salary of $47,626, which is $1,985 above the Texas state average of $45,641. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $74,880 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,120. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,120
$-2,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $37,440
Median (50th) $47,626
75th Percentile $60,480
90th Percentile $74,880

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$52,091
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$49,610
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$45,641
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$43,657
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Houston

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Houston

Browse open correctional officer positions in Houston, TX:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Houston

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Houston, Texas is $47,626 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $74,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,626, a correctional officer in Houston earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Houston's median correctional officer salary of $47,626 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $45,641. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $47,626 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Houston? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Houston 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.