Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Colorado
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Colorado earn a median of $62,140 a year ($29.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 7,290 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,690 for the top 10%. That is 5% higher than the national median of $58,940. Colorado ranks 20th of 49 states for correctional officers and jailers pay. There are 2.5 correctional officers and jailers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $66,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for correctional officers and jailers in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,370 | $25.18 |
| 25th percentile | $56,350 | $27.09 |
| Median | $62,140 | $29.87 |
| 75th percentile | $75,350 | $36.23 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,690 | $42.16 |
| Average (mean) | $66,360 | $31.90 |
Half of correctional officers and jailers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,178.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,589.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,390 |
| Weekly | $1,195 |
| Hourly | $29.87 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $62,140 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO | $75,330 | 240 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $73,150 | 140 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $65,660 | 1,820 |
| Pueblo, CO | $59,600 | 610 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $57,080 | 370 |
Highest-paying states for correctional officers and jailers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $96,370 |
| New Jersey | $94,770 |
| Massachusetts | $86,310 |
| Oregon | $83,690 |
| Washington | $79,460 |
| Illinois | $79,190 |
| New York | $76,820 |
| Nevada | $76,490 |
| Wisconsin | $73,470 |
| Alaska | $71,360 |
Related jobs in Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $97,350 | $46.81 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $105,480 | $50.71 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $47,910 | $23.03 |
| Bailiff | $63,320 | $30.44 |
| Security Guard | $45,150 | $21.71 |
| Firefighter | $74,170 | $35.66 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $35,640 | $17.13 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $44,340 | $21.32 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $37,620 | $18.09 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $126,810 | $60.97 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $102,580 | $49.32 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $54,680 | $26.29 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $71,530 | $34.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other | $65,490 | $31.49 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-3012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a correctional officers and jailers make in Colorado?
The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Colorado is $62,140 a year, or $29.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,690 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid correctional officers and jailers make in Colorado?
The top 10% of correctional officers and jailers in Colorado earn at least $87,690 a year. The top 25% earn $75,350 or more.
What is the starting pay for correctional officers and jailers in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,370 a year, and a quarter of correctional officers and jailers earn $56,350 or less.
How many correctional officers and jailers work in Colorado?
About 7,290 correctional officers and jailers are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.