Correctional Officer Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a correctional officer make in Colorado? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $74,420/yr ($35.78/hr), with around 800 people working in this field statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in Colorado are below the national average by approximately $2,010. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Colorado's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for correctional officers.
Colorado Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Colorado after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Colorado Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $74,420.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Colorado
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Colorado has seen 13.9% wage growth for correctional officers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Colorado
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $82,600 | $39.71 | +11.0% | 280 |
| Colorado Springs | $78,900 | $37.93 | +6.0% | 224 |
| Aurora | $76,650 | $36.85 | +3.0% | 144 |
| Fort Collins | $71,450 | $34.35 | -4.0% | 72 |
| Boulder | $67,700 | $32.55 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Pueblo | $64,750 | $31.13 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Denver offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Colorado at $82,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Colorado
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Colorado's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for correctional officers.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Colorado
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Colorado typically adds $61,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays correctional officers $82,600/yr — +11.0% above the Colorado average. Simply relocating within Colorado can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Correctional Officers who specialise in corrections and public safety typically command premium rates in Colorado. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wyoming pays correctional officers $72,550/yr — -2.5% vs Colorado.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Colorado
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Colorado:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Colorado — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Colorado — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Denver, CO→