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Correctional Officer Salaries in Rhode Island — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Rhode Island pays correctional officers a median wage of $55,000 per year — that's $26.44/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 1,000 correctional officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Correctional Officer salaries in Rhode Island are below the national average by approximately $21,430. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.

Strong demand and union representation mean correctional officers in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.

Rhode Island Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Rhode Island after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$55,000
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$43,970

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Rhode Island Correctional Officer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Rhode Island median of $55,000.

Your annual salary ($)

Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Rhode Island

Entry Level (0–2 years)$34,100/yr · $16.39/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Rhode Island.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$48,950/yr · $23.53/hr
Established professional working independently in Rhode Island. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$61,050/yr · $29.35/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Rhode Island.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$79,200+/yr · $38.08/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Rhode Island.
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Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Rhode Island — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island's corrections and public safety.

2021
$48,290
2022
$51,095
+5.8%
2023
$53,460
+4.6%
2024
$54,340
+1.6%
2026
$55,000
+1.2%

Correctional Officer Salary by City — Rhode Island

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Providence$61,050$29.35+11.0%350
Cranston$58,300$28.03+6.0%280
Warwick$56,650$27.24+3.0%180
Pawtucket$52,800$25.38-4.0%90
East Providence$50,050$24.06-9.0%60
Woonsocket$47,850$23.00-13.0%50

Tip: Providence offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Rhode Island at $61,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Rhode Island vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Rhode Island — 5.99% state income tax$55,000 gross~$43,970 take-home
Connecticut — 6.99%$84,040 gross+52.8% vs RI
Massachusetts — 5.0%$96,450 gross+75.4% vs RI

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.

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Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Rhode Island

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,000Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

Employment for correctional officers in Rhode Island is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Rhode Island job market. Strong demand and union representation mean correctional officers in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.

How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Rhode Island

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Rhode Island typically adds $45,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Providence pays correctional officers $61,050/yr — +11.0% above the Rhode Island average. Simply relocating within Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Connecticut pays correctional officers $84,040/yr — 52.8% vs Rhode Island.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average correctional officer salary in Rhode Island?
The average correctional officer salary in Rhode Island is $55,000 per year, or $26.44 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $34,100 while experienced professionals earn $79,200 or more.
What city in Rhode Island pays correctional officers the most?
Providence pays correctional officers the most in Rhode Island at an average of $61,050 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Rhode Island stack up nationally for correctional officer pay?
Rhode Island correctional officer salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $21,430. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
What is the take-home pay for a correctional officer in Rhode Island?
A correctional officer earning the Rhode Island average of $55,000 takes home approximately $43,970 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Are correctional officer jobs worth pursuing in Rhode Island?
Yes. Correctional Officer is a strong career choice in Rhode Island with steady demand projected over the next decade. Strong demand and union representation mean correctional officers in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.
What's the licensing process for correctional officers in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, 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.

Correctional Officer Salary in Nearby States

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.