National Salary Overview
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Median Salary
$53,884
Average (Mean)
$55,168
Employed Nationwide
349,560
VS
Firefighters earns $1,049 more (1.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$53,884
$54,934
Average (Mean) Salary
$55,168
$56,417
Total Employment
349,560
307,400
States with Higher Pay
22
26
Salary by State: Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Firefighters
Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Correctional Officers and Jailers pays more in 22 states; Firefighters pays more in 26.
| State | Correctional Officers and Jailers | Firefighters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,760 | $41,290 | $-530 | ||
| Alaska | $70,870 | $58,280 | +$12,590 | ||
| Arizona | $53,260 | $52,380 | +$880 | ||
| Arkansas | $40,480 | $39,940 | +$540 | ||
| California | $93,160 | $80,330 | +$12,830 | ||
| Colorado | $58,470 | $72,930 | $-14,460 | ||
| Connecticut | $59,860 | $76,480 | $-16,620 | ||
| Delaware | $53,710 | $42,970 | +$10,740 | ||
| Florida | $41,180 | $55,000 | $-13,820 | ||
| Georgia | $41,880 | $42,950 | $-1,070 | ||
| Idaho | $48,400 | $47,240 | +$1,160 | ||
| Illinois | $64,440 | $80,380 | $-15,940 | ||
| Indiana | $44,370 | $58,930 | $-14,560 | ||
| Iowa | $48,920 | $50,460 | $-1,540 | ||
| Kansas | $42,020 | $42,370 | $-350 | ||
| Kentucky | $36,940 | $34,430 | +$2,510 | ||
| Louisiana | $39,420 | $30,770 | +$8,650 | ||
| Maine | $48,360 | $46,900 | +$1,460 | ||
| Maryland | $58,950 | $65,090 | $-6,140 | ||
| Massachusetts | $78,810 | $70,270 | +$8,540 | ||
| Michigan | $62,460 | $51,200 | +$11,260 | ||
| Minnesota | $58,620 | $38,750 | +$19,870 | ||
| Mississippi | $35,040 | $36,130 | $-1,090 | ||
| Missouri | $38,000 | $45,050 | $-7,050 | ||
| Montana | $48,870 | $60,950 | $-12,080 | ||
| Nebraska | $58,240 | $69,040 | $-10,800 | ||
| Nevada | $63,500 | $63,600 | $-100 | ||
| New Hampshire | $52,350 | $51,470 | +$880 | ||
| New Jersey | $87,460 | $85,330 | +$2,130 | ||
| New Mexico | $41,600 | $41,790 | $-190 | ||
| New York | $71,300 | $82,290 | $-10,990 | ||
| North Carolina | $46,440 | $35,650 | +$10,790 | ||
| North Dakota | $48,560 | $50,450 | $-1,890 | ||
| Ohio | $56,530 | $55,040 | +$1,490 | ||
| Oklahoma | $43,690 | $53,760 | $-10,070 | ||
| Oregon | $78,070 | $70,830 | +$7,240 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $59,240 | $72,590 | $-13,350 | ||
| South Carolina | $43,040 | $45,540 | $-2,500 | ||
| South Dakota | $49,950 | $51,330 | $-1,380 | ||
| Tennessee | $46,850 | $42,220 | +$4,630 | ||
| Texas | $48,030 | $59,880 | $-11,850 | ||
| Utah | $60,030 | $46,180 | +$13,850 | ||
| Vermont | $50,250 | $48,260 | +$1,990 | ||
| Virginia | $47,010 | $54,170 | $-7,160 | ||
| Washington | $62,820 | $88,230 | $-25,410 | ||
| West Virginia | $45,550 | $40,100 | +$5,450 | ||
| Wisconsin | $60,630 | $44,710 | +$15,920 | ||
| Wyoming | $48,830 | $52,250 | $-3,420 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Firefighters?
On average across all states, a Firefighters earns more than a Correctional Officers and Jailers. The national median salary difference is $1,049 (1.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Correctional Officers and Jailers earn more than a Firefighters?
A Correctional Officers and Jailers earns a higher median salary than a Firefighters in 22 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Firefighters pays more in 26 states.
What is the median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Firefighters?
The national median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers is $53,884 per year, compared to $54,934 for a Firefighters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Firefighters?
There are more people employed as Correctional Officers and Jailers. BLS reports approximately 349,560 Correctional Officers and Jailers positions and 307,400 Firefighters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Correctional Officers and Jailers or Firefighters?
Both Correctional Officers and Jailers and Firefighters 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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