National Salary Overview
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Median Salary
$59,549
Average (Mean)
$60,857
Employed Nationwide
378,660
VS
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Median Salary
$73,431
Average (Mean)
$75,326
Employed Nationwide
12,790
Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns $13,882 more (23.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$59,549
$73,431
Average (Mean) Salary
$60,857
$75,326
Total Employment
378,660
12,790
States with Higher Pay
9
33
Salary by State: Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Correctional Officers and Jailers pays more in 9 states; Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 33.
| State | Correctional Officers and Jailers | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $46,660 | $78,110 | $-31,450 | ||
| Arizona | $54,970 | $74,780 | $-19,810 | ||
| Arkansas | $40,330 | $57,990 | $-17,660 | ||
| California | $96,370 | $99,230 | $-2,860 | ||
| Colorado | $62,140 | $85,750 | $-23,610 | ||
| Connecticut | $64,750 | $80,490 | $-15,740 | ||
| Florida | $49,710 | $75,660 | $-25,950 | ||
| Georgia | $47,520 | $64,550 | $-17,030 | ||
| Idaho | $53,580 | $72,810 | $-19,230 | ||
| Illinois | $79,190 | $62,400 | +$16,790 | ||
| Indiana | $48,340 | $73,340 | $-25,000 | ||
| Iowa | $53,040 | $81,860 | $-28,820 | ||
| Kansas | $56,120 | $64,290 | $-8,170 | ||
| Kentucky | $42,310 | $55,970 | $-13,660 | ||
| Louisiana | $39,850 | $64,820 | $-24,970 | ||
| Maine | $52,730 | $58,240 | $-5,510 | ||
| Maryland | $64,250 | $98,730 | $-34,480 | ||
| Massachusetts | $86,310 | $81,140 | +$5,170 | ||
| Michigan | $64,020 | $77,460 | $-13,440 | ||
| Minnesota | $66,040 | $84,410 | $-18,370 | ||
| Mississippi | $38,720 | $55,260 | $-16,540 | ||
| Missouri | $42,620 | $77,240 | $-34,620 | ||
| Nebraska | $63,380 | $76,770 | $-13,390 | ||
| Nevada | $76,490 | $93,450 | $-16,960 | ||
| New Hampshire | $61,360 | $75,230 | $-13,870 | ||
| New Jersey | $94,770 | $60,100 | +$34,670 | ||
| New Mexico | $47,940 | $64,680 | $-16,740 | ||
| New York | $76,820 | $73,920 | +$2,900 | ||
| North Carolina | $50,550 | $66,820 | $-16,270 | ||
| North Dakota | $52,460 | $80,320 | $-27,860 | ||
| Ohio | $59,370 | $59,280 | +$90 | ||
| Oklahoma | $45,690 | $37,320 | +$8,370 | ||
| Oregon | $83,690 | $115,080 | $-31,390 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $63,460 | $59,080 | +$4,380 | ||
| South Carolina | $47,890 | $61,890 | $-14,000 | ||
| Tennessee | $50,940 | $63,400 | $-12,460 | ||
| Texas | $52,670 | $82,390 | $-29,720 | ||
| Utah | $67,290 | $72,760 | $-5,470 | ||
| Virginia | $50,140 | $70,460 | $-20,320 | ||
| Washington | $79,460 | $122,900 | $-43,440 | ||
| West Virginia | $52,890 | $52,490 | +$400 | ||
| Wisconsin | $73,470 | $66,600 | +$6,870 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Fire Inspectors and Investigators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $13,882 (23.3%) based on 2025 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 9 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 33 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 $59,549 per year, compared to $73,431 for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators, according to 2025 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 378,660 Correctional Officers and Jailers positions and 12,790 Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions nationwide (2025).
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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.