Public Service Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Correctional Officer Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Richmond, VA is $49,610 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$49,610
vs State Avg
$-1,984
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Richmond offers a median correctional officer salary of $49,610, which is $1,984 below the Virginia state average of $51,594. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $78,000 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $39,000
Median (50th) $49,610
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $78,000

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$65,485
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$50,602
Pop. 449,974
Chesapeake, VA
$48,618
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$47,626
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Richmond

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Richmond

Browse open correctional officer positions in Richmond, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Richmond

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Richmond, Virginia is $49,610 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $78,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,610, a correctional officer in Richmond earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Richmond's median correctional officer salary of $49,610 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $51,594. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $49,610 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Richmond? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Richmond 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.