Correctional Officer Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median correctional officer salary in Virginia is $64,830 per year, equivalent to $31.17/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Virginia employs approximately 2,320 correctional officers statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in Virginia are below the national average by approximately $11,600. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for correctional officers.
Virginia Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $64,830.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Virginia
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Virginia 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 Virginia's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $71,950 | $34.59 | +11.0% | 812 |
| Norfolk | $68,700 | $33.03 | +6.0% | 649 |
| Chesapeake | $66,750 | $32.09 | +3.0% | 417 |
| Richmond | $62,250 | $29.93 | -4.0% | 208 |
| Arlington | $59,000 | $28.37 | -9.0% | 139 |
| Alexandria | $56,400 | $27.12 | -13.0% | 92 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Virginia at $71,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for correctional officers.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Virginia typically adds $53,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays correctional officers $71,950/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia 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 Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays correctional officers $56,720/yr — -12.5% vs Virginia.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→