National Salary Overview
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Median Salary
$53,884
Average (Mean)
$55,168
Employed Nationwide
349,560
VS
Fish and Game Wardens earns $9,076 more (16.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$53,884
$62,960
Average (Mean) Salary
$55,168
$62,821
Total Employment
349,560
5,230
States with Higher Pay
7
26
Salary by State: Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Fish and Game Wardens
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Correctional Officers and Jailers pays more in 7 states; Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 26.
| State | Correctional Officers and Jailers | Fish and Game Wardens | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,760 | $64,730 | $-23,970 | ||
| Arizona | $53,260 | $44,040 | +$9,220 | ||
| Arkansas | $40,480 | $61,730 | $-21,250 | ||
| California | $93,160 | $92,140 | +$1,020 | ||
| Connecticut | $59,860 | $59,400 | +$460 | ||
| Delaware | $53,710 | $56,500 | $-2,790 | ||
| Florida | $41,180 | $29,760 | +$11,420 | ||
| Georgia | $41,880 | $67,500 | $-25,620 | ||
| Hawaii | $63,110 | $68,660 | $-5,550 | ||
| Idaho | $48,400 | $62,900 | $-14,500 | ||
| Indiana | $44,370 | $71,740 | $-27,370 | ||
| Kansas | $42,020 | $50,920 | $-8,900 | ||
| Kentucky | $36,940 | $41,220 | $-4,280 | ||
| Louisiana | $39,420 | $51,380 | $-11,960 | ||
| Maine | $48,360 | $67,080 | $-18,720 | ||
| Minnesota | $58,620 | $94,470 | $-35,850 | ||
| Missouri | $38,000 | $54,640 | $-16,640 | ||
| Montana | $48,870 | $60,860 | $-11,990 | ||
| Nebraska | $58,240 | $56,280 | +$1,960 | ||
| New Jersey | $87,460 | $75,930 | +$11,530 | ||
| New Mexico | $41,600 | $59,990 | $-18,390 | ||
| New York | $71,300 | $75,460 | $-4,160 | ||
| North Carolina | $46,440 | $54,660 | $-8,220 | ||
| North Dakota | $48,560 | $75,290 | $-26,730 | ||
| Ohio | $56,530 | $74,480 | $-17,950 | ||
| Oklahoma | $43,690 | $59,310 | $-15,620 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $59,240 | $50,460 | +$8,780 | ||
| South Dakota | $49,950 | $55,120 | $-5,170 | ||
| Tennessee | $46,850 | $72,350 | $-25,500 | ||
| Vermont | $50,250 | $67,970 | $-17,720 | ||
| Virginia | $47,010 | $60,030 | $-13,020 | ||
| Washington | $62,820 | $89,380 | $-26,560 | ||
| West Virginia | $45,550 | $51,330 | $-5,780 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Fish and Game Wardens?
On average across all states, a Fish and Game Wardens earns more than a Correctional Officers and Jailers. The national median salary difference is $9,076 (16.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Correctional Officers and Jailers earn more than a Fish and Game Wardens?
A Correctional Officers and Jailers earns a higher median salary than a Fish and Game Wardens in 7 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fish and Game Wardens pays more in 26 states.
What is the median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers vs Fish and Game Wardens?
The national median salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers is $53,884 per year, compared to $62,960 for a Fish and Game Wardens, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Correctional Officers and Jailers or Fish and Game Wardens?
There are more people employed as Correctional Officers and Jailers. BLS reports approximately 349,560 Correctional Officers and Jailers positions and 5,230 Fish and Game Wardens positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Correctional Officers and Jailers or Fish and Game Wardens?
Both Correctional Officers and Jailers and Fish and Game Wardens 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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