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Correctional Officer Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median correctional officer salary in North Dakota is $76,980 per year, equivalent to $37.01/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. North Dakota employs approximately 110 correctional officers statewide.

Correctional Officer salaries in North Dakota are above the national average by approximately $550. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for correctional officers across both urban and rural areas.

North Dakota Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$76,980
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$61,900

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — North Dakota Correctional Officer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $76,980.

Your annual salary ($)

Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — North Dakota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$47,700/yr · $22.93/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in North Dakota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$68,512/yr · $32.94/hr
Established professional working independently in North Dakota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$85,447/yr · $41.08/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in North Dakota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$110,900+/yr · $53.32/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in North Dakota.
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Correctional Officer Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, North Dakota 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 North Dakota's corrections and public safety.

2021
$67,588
2022
$71,514
+5.8%
2023
$74,824
+4.6%
2024
$76,056
+1.6%
2026
$76,980
+1.2%

Correctional Officer Salary by City — North Dakota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Fargo$85,450$41.08+11.0%50
Bismarck$81,600$39.23+6.0%50
Grand Forks$79,300$38.12+3.0%50
Minot$73,900$35.53-4.0%50
West Fargo$70,050$33.68-9.0%50
Williston$66,950$32.19-13.0%50

Tip: Fargo offers the highest correctional officer salaries in North Dakota at $85,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

North Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

North Dakota — 2.5% state income tax$76,980 gross~$61,900 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$91,790 gross+19.2% vs ND
South Dakota — no state tax$75,320 gross-2.2% vs ND
Montana — 6.75%$65,120 gross-15.4% vs ND

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.

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Correctional Officer Job Outlook in North Dakota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
110Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

Employment for correctional officers in North Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Dakota job market. North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for correctional officers across both urban and rural areas.

How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in North Dakota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in North Dakota typically adds $63,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Fargo pays correctional officers $85,450/yr — +11.0% above the North Dakota average. Simply relocating within North Dakota 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 North Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays correctional officers $91,790/yr — 19.2% vs North Dakota.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a correctional officer make in North Dakota?
The average correctional officer salary in North Dakota is $76,980 per year, or $37.01 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $47,700 while experienced professionals earn $110,900 or more.
Which North Dakota city has the highest correctional officer salary?
Fargo pays correctional officers the most in North Dakota at an average of $85,450 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does North Dakota correctional officer salary compare to the national average?
North Dakota correctional officer salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $550. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
What's the after-tax salary for correctional officers in North Dakota?
A correctional officer earning the North Dakota average of $76,980 takes home approximately $61,900 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Are correctional officer jobs worth pursuing in North Dakota?
Yes. Correctional Officer is a strong career choice in North Dakota with steady demand projected over the next decade. North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for correctional officers across both urban and rural areas.
How do you get a correctional officer licence in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, 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.