Public Service Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Correctional Officer Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Arlington, VA is $65,485 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$65,485
vs State Avg
+$13,891
vs National
+$15,875
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median correctional officer salary of $65,485, which is $13,891 above the Virginia state average of $51,594. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $65,485 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Arlington spans from $43,560 at the 10th percentile to $102,960 at the 90th percentile — a $59,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,040. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$16,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,040
+$23,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $43,560
25th Percentile $51,480
Median (50th) $65,485
75th Percentile $83,160
90th Percentile $102,960

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$50,602
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$49,610
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$48,618
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$47,626
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Arlington

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Arlington

Browse open correctional officer positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Arlington

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Arlington, Virginia is $65,485 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $43,560 (10th percentile) to $102,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,485, a correctional officer in Arlington earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Arlington's median correctional officer salary of $65,485 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $51,594. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $65,485 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Arlington? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Arlington 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.