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Correctional Officer Salaries in Maryland — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Correctional Officers in Maryland earn an average of $78,280 per year ($37.63/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 1,660 correctional officers.

Correctional Officer salaries in Maryland are above the national average by approximately $1,850. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Maryland's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for correctional officers.

Maryland Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Maryland after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$78,280
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$60,368

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Maryland Correctional Officer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Maryland median of $78,280.

Your annual salary ($)

Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Maryland

Entry Level (0–2 years)$48,500/yr · $23.32/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Maryland.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$69,669/yr · $33.49/hr
Established professional working independently in Maryland. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$86,890/yr · $41.77/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Maryland.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$112,700+/yr · $54.18/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Maryland.
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Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Maryland — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Correctional Officer salaries in Maryland have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Maryland's corrections and public safety.

2021
$68,729
2022
$72,722
+5.8%
2023
$76,088
+4.6%
2024
$77,340
+1.6%
2026
$78,280
+1.2%

Correctional Officer Salary by City — Maryland

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Baltimore$86,900$41.78+11.0%581
Frederick$83,000$39.90+6.0%464
Rockville$80,650$38.77+3.0%298
Gaithersburg$75,150$36.13-4.0%149
Bowie$71,250$34.25-9.0%99
Annapolis$68,100$32.74-13.0%66

Tip: Baltimore offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Maryland at $86,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Maryland vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Maryland sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.

Maryland — 5.75% state income tax$78,280 gross~$60,368 take-home
Pennsylvania — 3.07%$92,480 gross+18.1% vs MD
Delaware — 6.6%$79,960 gross+2.1% vs MD
Virginia — 5.75%$64,830 gross-17.2% vs MD

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Maryland

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,660Currently employed
166+New jobs projected

Employment for correctional officers in Maryland is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Maryland job market. Maryland's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for correctional officers.

How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Maryland

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Maryland typically adds $64,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Baltimore pays correctional officers $86,900/yr — +11.0% above the Maryland average. Simply relocating within Maryland 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 Maryland. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays correctional officers $92,480/yr — 18.1% vs Maryland.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Maryland

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a correctional officer earn in Maryland on average?
The average correctional officer salary in Maryland is $78,280 per year, or $37.63 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $48,500 while experienced professionals earn $112,700 or more.
Which Maryland city has the highest correctional officer salary?
Baltimore pays correctional officers the most in Maryland at an average of $86,900 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Maryland correctional officer salary compare to the national average?
Maryland correctional officer salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $1,850. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
What's the after-tax salary for correctional officers in Maryland?
A correctional officer earning the Maryland average of $78,280 takes home approximately $60,368 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Are correctional officer jobs worth pursuing in Maryland?
Yes. Correctional Officer is a strong career choice in Maryland with steady demand projected over the next decade. Maryland's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for correctional officers.
What's the licensing process for correctional officers in Maryland?
In Maryland, correctional officers are licensed through the State Department of Corrections. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Department of Corrections for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.