Correctional Officer Salaries in Wisconsin — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a correctional officer make in Wisconsin? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $92,410/yr ($44.43/hr), with around 960 people working in this field statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in Wisconsin are above the national average by approximately $15,980. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Wisconsin's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for correctional officers across both urban and rural areas.
Wisconsin Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Wisconsin after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Wisconsin Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Wisconsin median of $92,410.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Wisconsin
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Wisconsin — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Wisconsin
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $102,600 | $49.33 | +11.0% | 336 |
| Madison | $97,950 | $47.09 | +6.0% | 268 |
| Green Bay | $95,200 | $45.77 | +3.0% | 172 |
| Kenosha | $88,700 | $42.64 | -4.0% | 86 |
| Racine | $84,100 | $40.43 | -9.0% | 57 |
| Appleton | $80,400 | $38.65 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Milwaukee offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Wisconsin at $102,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Wisconsin vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Wisconsin sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Wisconsin
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Wisconsin is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Wisconsin job market. Wisconsin's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for correctional officers across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Wisconsin
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Wisconsin typically adds $75,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Milwaukee pays correctional officers $102,600/yr — +11.0% above the Wisconsin average. Simply relocating within Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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 — -0.7% vs Wisconsin.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Wisconsin
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Wisconsin:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Wisconsin — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Wisconsin — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Milwaukee, WI→