Public Service Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Correctional Officer Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median correctional officer salary in Seattle, WA is $73,423 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$73,423
vs State Avg
+$16,372
vs National
+$23,813
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median correctional officer salary of $73,423, which is $16,372 above the Washington state average of $57,051. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $73,423 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for correctional officers in Seattle spans from $48,840 at the 10th percentile to $115,440 at the 90th percentile — a $66,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,800, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,560. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $51,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,000
+$24,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,560
+$34,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $48,840
25th Percentile $57,720
Median (50th) $73,423
75th Percentile $93,240
90th Percentile $115,440

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Seattle

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Seattle

Browse open correctional officer positions in Seattle, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Seattle

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Seattle, Washington is $73,423 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $48,840 (10th percentile) to $115,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,423, a correctional officer in Seattle earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Seattle's median correctional officer salary of $73,423 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $57,051. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $73,423 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Seattle? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Seattle 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.