National Salary Overview
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Median Salary
$59,549
Average (Mean)
$60,857
Employed Nationwide
378,660
VS
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Median Salary
$90,618
Average (Mean)
$97,404
Employed Nationwide
114,420
Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns $31,069 more (52.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$59,549
$90,618
Average (Mean) Salary
$60,857
$97,404
Total Employment
378,660
114,420
States with Higher Pay
0
49
Salary by State: Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Correctional Officers and Jailers pays more in 0 states; Detectives and Criminal Investigators pays more in 49.
| State | Correctional Officers and Jailers | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $46,660 | $66,290 | $-19,630 | ||
| Alaska | $71,360 | $114,940 | $-43,580 | ||
| Arizona | $54,970 | $102,340 | $-47,370 | ||
| Arkansas | $40,330 | $54,500 | $-14,170 | ||
| California | $96,370 | $124,840 | $-28,470 | ||
| Colorado | $62,140 | $105,480 | $-43,340 | ||
| Connecticut | $64,750 | $95,240 | $-30,490 | ||
| Delaware | $65,880 | $122,050 | $-56,170 | ||
| Florida | $49,710 | $77,060 | $-27,350 | ||
| Georgia | $47,520 | $65,430 | $-17,910 | ||
| Hawaii | $69,570 | $113,940 | $-44,370 | ||
| Idaho | $53,580 | $72,520 | $-18,940 | ||
| Illinois | $79,190 | $91,190 | $-12,000 | ||
| Indiana | $48,340 | $70,340 | $-22,000 | ||
| Iowa | $53,040 | $79,560 | $-26,520 | ||
| Kansas | $56,120 | $75,740 | $-19,620 | ||
| Kentucky | $42,310 | $71,670 | $-29,360 | ||
| Louisiana | $39,850 | $60,450 | $-20,600 | ||
| Maine | $52,730 | $88,310 | $-35,580 | ||
| Maryland | $64,250 | $126,730 | $-62,480 | ||
| Massachusetts | $86,310 | $110,150 | $-23,840 | ||
| Michigan | $64,020 | $90,650 | $-26,630 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,040 | $80,000 | $-13,960 | ||
| Mississippi | $38,720 | $58,640 | $-19,920 | ||
| Missouri | $42,620 | $75,650 | $-33,030 | ||
| Montana | $49,180 | $92,410 | $-43,230 | ||
| Nebraska | $63,380 | $100,530 | $-37,150 | ||
| Nevada | $76,490 | $94,470 | $-17,980 | ||
| New Hampshire | $61,360 | $89,290 | $-27,930 | ||
| New Jersey | $94,770 | $116,300 | $-21,530 | ||
| New Mexico | $47,940 | $86,840 | $-38,900 | ||
| New York | $76,820 | $101,240 | $-24,420 | ||
| North Carolina | $50,550 | $63,280 | $-12,730 | ||
| North Dakota | $52,460 | $82,290 | $-29,830 | ||
| Ohio | $59,370 | $79,300 | $-19,930 | ||
| Oklahoma | $45,690 | $80,430 | $-34,740 | ||
| Oregon | $83,690 | $107,450 | $-23,760 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $63,460 | $97,580 | $-34,120 | ||
| South Carolina | $47,890 | $62,760 | $-14,870 | ||
| South Dakota | $53,040 | $77,730 | $-24,690 | ||
| Tennessee | $50,940 | $77,090 | $-26,150 | ||
| Texas | $52,670 | $90,510 | $-37,840 | ||
| Utah | $67,290 | $78,920 | $-11,630 | ||
| Vermont | $53,810 | $106,330 | $-52,520 | ||
| Virginia | $50,140 | $112,760 | $-62,620 | ||
| Washington | $79,460 | $115,790 | $-36,330 | ||
| West Virginia | $52,890 | $92,410 | $-39,520 | ||
| Wisconsin | $73,470 | $91,040 | $-17,570 | ||
| Wyoming | $54,780 | $81,880 | $-27,100 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Detectives and Criminal Investigators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
On average across all states, a Detectives and Criminal Investigators earns more than a Correctional Officers and Jailers. The national median salary difference is $31,069 (52.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
The national median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers is $59,549 per year, compared to $90,618 for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
There are more people employed as Correctional Officers and Jailers. BLS reports approximately 378,660 Correctional Officers and Jailers positions and 114,420 Detectives and Criminal Investigators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Correctional Officers and Jailers or Detectives and Criminal Investigators?
Both Correctional Officers and Jailers and Detectives and Criminal Investigators are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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