Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Virginia
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Virginia earn a median of $50,140 a year ($24.11 an hour), based on BLS data for 11,270 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,570 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $58,940. Virginia ranks 36th of 49 states for correctional officers and jailers pay. There are 2.7 correctional officers and jailers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $54,450, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for correctional officers and jailers in Virginia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,320 | $22.27 |
| 25th percentile | $47,570 | $22.87 |
| Median | $50,140 | $24.11 |
| 75th percentile | $59,030 | $28.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,570 | $33.93 |
| Average (mean) | $54,450 | $26.18 |
Half of correctional officers and jailers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,178.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,089.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,928.46 |
| Weekly | $964.23 |
| Hourly | $24.11 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,140 salary, see how much house you can afford in Virginia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in cities in Virginia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $70,570 | 3,200 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $54,390 | 130 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $52,700 | 300 |
| Richmond, VA | $51,660 | 1,930 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $50,950 | 100 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $50,170 | 150 |
| Roanoke, VA | $50,070 | 270 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $49,900 | 1,520 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $49,290 | 300 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $48,440 | 430 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | $47,850 | 260 |
Highest-paying states for correctional officers and jailers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $96,370 |
| New Jersey | $94,770 |
| Massachusetts | $86,310 |
| Oregon | $83,690 |
| Washington | $79,460 |
| Illinois | $79,190 |
| New York | $76,820 |
| Nevada | $76,490 |
| Wisconsin | $73,470 |
| Alaska | $71,360 |
Related jobs in Virginia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $65,870 | $31.67 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $112,760 | $54.21 |
| Bailiff | $62,290 | $29.95 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $66,540 | $31.99 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| Security Guard | $43,640 | $20.98 |
| Firefighter | $58,670 | $28.21 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $30,070 | $14.46 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $35,230 | $16.94 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $101,230 | $48.67 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $97,780 | $47.01 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $64,190 | $30.86 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $60,790 | $29.23 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $37,560 | $18.06 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Virginia
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-3012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a correctional officers and jailers make in Virginia?
The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Virginia is $50,140 a year, or $24.11 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,570 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid correctional officers and jailers make in Virginia?
The top 10% of correctional officers and jailers in Virginia earn at least $70,570 a year. The top 25% earn $59,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for correctional officers and jailers in Virginia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,320 a year, and a quarter of correctional officers and jailers earn $47,570 or less.
How many correctional officers and jailers work in Virginia?
About 11,270 correctional officers and jailers are employed in Virginia, not counting the self-employed.