Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Montana
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Montana earn a median of $49,180 a year ($23.64 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,430 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,730 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $58,940. Montana ranks 38th of 49 states for correctional officers and jailers pay. There are 2.8 correctional officers and jailers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,980, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for correctional officers and jailers in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,690 | $21.48 |
| 25th percentile | $46,910 | $22.55 |
| Median | $49,180 | $23.64 |
| 75th percentile | $57,220 | $27.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,730 | $30.16 |
| Average (mean) | $52,980 | $25.47 |
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 | $4,098.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,049.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,891.54 |
| Weekly | $945.77 |
| Hourly | $23.64 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,180 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in cities in Montana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT | $79,720 | 110 |
| Helena, MT | $52,140 | 60 |
| Billings, MT | $49,110 | 200 |
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 Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $70,050 | $33.68 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $92,410 | $44.43 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $59,490 | $28.60 |
| Bailiff | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $47,750 | $22.96 |
| Security Guard | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| Firefighter | $59,310 | $28.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $89,380 | $42.97 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $54,770 | $26.33 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $82,820 | $39.82 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $41,660 | $20.03 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $74,630 | $35.88 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $46,370 | $22.29 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Montana
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 Montana?
The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Montana is $49,180 a year, or $23.64 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid correctional officers and jailers make in Montana?
The top 10% of correctional officers and jailers in Montana earn at least $62,730 a year. The top 25% earn $57,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for correctional officers and jailers in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,690 a year, and a quarter of correctional officers and jailers earn $46,910 or less.
How many correctional officers and jailers work in Montana?
About 1,430 correctional officers and jailers are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.