Public Service Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Correctional Officer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$48,618
vs State Avg
$-2,976
vs National
$-992
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median correctional officer salary of $48,618, which is $2,976 below the Virginia state average of $51,594. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $32,340 at the 10th percentile to $76,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,560. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $32,340
25th Percentile $38,220
Median (50th) $48,618
75th Percentile $61,740
90th Percentile $76,440

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$65,485
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$50,602
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$49,610
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$47,626
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open correctional officer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $48,618 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $32,340 (10th percentile) to $76,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,618, a correctional officer in Chesapeake earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median correctional officer salary of $48,618 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $51,594. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $48,618 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Chesapeake 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.