Correctional Officer Salaries in Texas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Correctional Officers in Texas earn an average of $59,590 per year ($28.65/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 4,460 correctional officers.
Correctional Officer salaries in Texas are below the national average by approximately $16,840. Texas has no state income tax.
Texas's economy continues to add correctional officer jobs as population and businesses grow.
Texas Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Texas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Texas has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Texas has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Texas Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Texas median of $59,590.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Texas
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Texas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for correctional officers in Texas: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Texas's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Texas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $66,150 | $31.80 | +11.0% | 1,561 |
| Dallas | $63,150 | $30.36 | +6.0% | 1,248 |
| Austin | $61,400 | $29.52 | +3.0% | 802 |
| San Antonio | $57,200 | $27.50 | -4.0% | 401 |
| Fort Worth | $54,250 | $26.08 | -9.0% | 267 |
| El Paso | $51,850 | $24.93 | -13.0% | 178 |
Tip: Houston offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Texas at $66,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Texas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Texas compares favourably for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Texas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Texas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Texas job market. Texas's economy continues to add correctional officer jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Texas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Texas typically adds $48,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Houston pays correctional officers $66,150/yr — +11.0% above the Texas average. Simply relocating within Texas 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 Texas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New Mexico pays correctional officers $61,360/yr — 3.0% vs Texas.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Texas
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Texas:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Texas — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Texas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Houston, TX→