Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Iowa
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Iowa earn a median of $53,040 a year ($25.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,440 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,530 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $58,940. Iowa ranks 28th of 49 states for correctional officers and jailers pay. There are 2.2 correctional officers and jailers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $57,140, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for correctional officers and jailers in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,670 | $22.92 |
| 25th percentile | $49,920 | $24.00 |
| Median | $53,040 | $25.50 |
| 75th percentile | $63,370 | $30.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,530 | $35.35 |
| Average (mean) | $57,140 | $27.47 |
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 | $4,420 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,210 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,040 |
| Weekly | $1,020 |
| Hourly | $25.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $53,040 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in cities in Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $63,380 | 1,180 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $63,230 | 610 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $62,390 | 460 |
| Ames, IA | $58,410 | 40 |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,680 | 40 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $53,830 | 330 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $53,480 | 170 |
| Iowa City, IA | $52,640 | 290 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $49,510 | 170 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $74,470 | $35.81 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $79,560 | $38.25 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $98,260 | $47.24 |
| Bailiff | $52,100 | $25.05 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Security Guard | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Firefighter | $55,810 | $26.83 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $25,460 | $12.24 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $98,840 | $47.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $76,010 | $36.54 |
| School Bus Monitor | $32,740 | $15.74 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $46,560 | $22.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $74,420 | $35.78 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $35,750 | $17.19 |
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 Iowa?
The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Iowa is $53,040 a year, or $25.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid correctional officers and jailers make in Iowa?
The top 10% of correctional officers and jailers in Iowa earn at least $73,530 a year. The top 25% earn $63,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for correctional officers and jailers in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,670 a year, and a quarter of correctional officers and jailers earn $49,920 or less.
How many correctional officers and jailers work in Iowa?
About 3,440 correctional officers and jailers are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.