Correctional Officer Salaries in New Jersey — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a correctional officer make in New Jersey? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $110,850/yr ($53.29/hr), with around 1,370 people working in this field statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in New Jersey are above the national average by approximately $34,420. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
New Jersey's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average correctional officer pay.
New Jersey Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in New Jersey after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — New Jersey Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the New Jersey median of $110,850.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — New Jersey
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in New Jersey — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, New Jersey 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 New Jersey's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — New Jersey
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $123,050 | $59.16 | +11.0% | 479 |
| Jersey City | $117,500 | $56.49 | +6.0% | 383 |
| Paterson | $114,200 | $54.90 | +3.0% | 246 |
| Elizabeth | $106,400 | $51.15 | -4.0% | 123 |
| Edison | $100,850 | $48.49 | -9.0% | 82 |
| Woodbridge | $96,450 | $46.37 | -13.0% | 54 |
Tip: Newark offers the highest correctional officer salaries in New Jersey at $123,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
New Jersey vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, New Jersey sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in New Jersey
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in New Jersey is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the New Jersey job market. New Jersey's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average correctional officer pay.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in New Jersey
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in New Jersey typically adds $90,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Newark pays correctional officers $123,050/yr — +11.0% above the New Jersey average. Simply relocating within New Jersey 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 New Jersey. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays correctional officers $97,390/yr — -12.1% vs New Jersey.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in New Jersey
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in New Jersey:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in New Jersey — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in New Jersey — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Newark, NJ→