National Salary Overview
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Median Salary
$53,884
Average (Mean)
$55,168
Employed Nationwide
349,560
VS
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Median Salary
$70,133
Average (Mean)
$72,172
Employed Nationwide
11,530
Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns $16,249 more (30.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$53,884
$70,133
Average (Mean) Salary
$55,168
$72,172
Total Employment
349,560
11,530
States with Higher Pay
5
39
Salary by State: Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Showing 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. Correctional Officers and Jailers pays more in 5 states; Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 39.
| State | Correctional Officers and Jailers | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,760 | $52,470 | $-11,710 | ||
| Alaska | $70,870 | $78,930 | $-8,060 | ||
| Arizona | $53,260 | $68,270 | $-15,010 | ||
| Arkansas | $40,480 | $59,260 | $-18,780 | ||
| California | $93,160 | $96,400 | $-3,240 | ||
| Colorado | $58,470 | $86,250 | $-27,780 | ||
| Connecticut | $59,860 | $86,100 | $-26,240 | ||
| Delaware | $53,710 | $53,200 | +$510 | ||
| Georgia | $41,880 | $55,860 | $-13,980 | ||
| Idaho | $48,400 | $63,160 | $-14,760 | ||
| Illinois | $64,440 | $73,300 | $-8,860 | ||
| Indiana | $44,370 | $57,890 | $-13,520 | ||
| Iowa | $48,920 | $87,760 | $-38,840 | ||
| Kansas | $42,020 | $55,830 | $-13,810 | ||
| Kentucky | $36,940 | $47,570 | $-10,630 | ||
| Louisiana | $39,420 | $55,150 | $-15,730 | ||
| Maine | $48,360 | $61,010 | $-12,650 | ||
| Maryland | $58,950 | $85,540 | $-26,590 | ||
| Massachusetts | $78,810 | $70,100 | +$8,710 | ||
| Michigan | $62,460 | $70,510 | $-8,050 | ||
| Minnesota | $58,620 | $82,760 | $-24,140 | ||
| Mississippi | $35,040 | $50,430 | $-15,390 | ||
| Missouri | $38,000 | $81,880 | $-43,880 | ||
| Nebraska | $58,240 | $64,400 | $-6,160 | ||
| Nevada | $63,500 | $93,380 | $-29,880 | ||
| New Hampshire | $52,350 | $73,110 | $-20,760 | ||
| New Jersey | $87,460 | $71,650 | +$15,810 | ||
| New Mexico | $41,600 | $58,350 | $-16,750 | ||
| New York | $71,300 | $70,260 | +$1,040 | ||
| North Carolina | $46,440 | $64,350 | $-17,910 | ||
| North Dakota | $48,560 | $74,250 | $-25,690 | ||
| Ohio | $56,530 | $110,450 | $-53,920 | ||
| Oklahoma | $43,690 | $41,500 | +$2,190 | ||
| Oregon | $78,070 | $105,840 | $-27,770 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $59,240 | $61,030 | $-1,790 | ||
| South Carolina | $43,040 | $56,870 | $-13,830 | ||
| Tennessee | $46,850 | $62,250 | $-15,400 | ||
| Texas | $48,030 | $74,960 | $-26,930 | ||
| Utah | $60,030 | $66,480 | $-6,450 | ||
| Vermont | $50,250 | $66,330 | $-16,080 | ||
| Virginia | $47,010 | $66,630 | $-19,620 | ||
| Washington | $62,820 | $107,340 | $-44,520 | ||
| West Virginia | $45,550 | $50,310 | $-4,760 | ||
| Wisconsin | $60,630 | $64,130 | $-3,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
On average across all states, a Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns more than a Correctional Officers and Jailers. The national median salary difference is $16,249 (30.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Correctional Officers and Jailers earn more than a Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
A Correctional Officers and Jailers earns a higher median salary than a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in 5 out of 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 39 states.
What is the median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
The national median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers is $53,884 per year, compared to $70,133 for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
There are more people employed as Correctional Officers and Jailers. BLS reports approximately 349,560 Correctional Officers and Jailers positions and 11,530 Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Correctional Officers and Jailers or Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
Both Correctional Officers and Jailers and Fire Inspectors and 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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