Correctional Officer Salaries in Georgia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Correctional Officers in Georgia earn an average of $54,080 per year ($26.00/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 2,280 correctional officers.
Correctional Officer salaries in Georgia are below the national average by approximately $22,350. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Steady population growth across Georgia keeps demand strong for correctional officers, especially in metro areas.
Georgia Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Georgia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Georgia Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Georgia median of $54,080.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Georgia
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Georgia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Georgia 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 Georgia's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Georgia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $60,050 | $28.87 | +11.0% | 798 |
| Savannah | $57,300 | $27.55 | +6.0% | 638 |
| Augusta | $55,700 | $26.78 | +3.0% | 410 |
| Columbus | $51,900 | $24.95 | -4.0% | 205 |
| Macon | $49,200 | $23.65 | -9.0% | 136 |
| Athens | $47,050 | $22.62 | -13.0% | 91 |
Tip: Atlanta offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Georgia at $60,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Georgia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Georgia sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Georgia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Georgia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Georgia job market. Steady population growth across Georgia keeps demand strong for correctional officers, especially in metro areas.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Georgia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Georgia typically adds $44,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Atlanta pays correctional officers $60,050/yr — +11.0% above the Georgia average. Simply relocating within Georgia 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 Georgia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Florida pays correctional officers $54,270/yr — 0.4% vs Georgia.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Georgia
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Georgia:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Georgia — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Georgia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Atlanta, GA→