Public Service Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Correctional Officer Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $50,602 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$50,602
vs State Avg
$-992
vs National
+$992
Cost of Living
102%

Correctional Officer Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median correctional officer salary of $50,602, which is $992 below the Virginia state average of $51,594. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $33,660 at the 10th percentile to $79,560 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,440. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,440
+$1,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $33,660
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $50,602
75th Percentile $64,260
90th Percentile $79,560

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$65,485
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open correctional officer positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $50,602 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $79,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,602, a correctional officer in Virginia Beach earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median correctional officer salary of $50,602 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $51,594. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $50,602 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Virginia Beach 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.