Public Service Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Correctional Officer Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median correctional officer salary in Tacoma, WA is $54,571 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$54,571
vs State Avg
$-2,480
vs National
+$4,961
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median correctional officer salary of $54,571, which is $2,480 below the Washington state average of $57,051. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $36,300 at the 10th percentile to $85,800 at the 90th percentile — a $49,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $38,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
+$7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $36,300
25th Percentile $42,900
Median (50th) $54,571
75th Percentile $69,300
90th Percentile $85,800

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$75,407
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$73,423
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$50,602
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$45,641
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open correctional officer positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Tacoma, Washington is $54,571 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $36,300 (10th percentile) to $85,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,571, a correctional officer in Tacoma earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Tacoma's median correctional officer salary of $54,571 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $57,051. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $54,571 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Tacoma? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Tacoma 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.