North Carolina ranks 37th of 50 states and D.C. for correctional officers and jailers pay, trailing top-paying California ($95,840) by $46,760 — a 95% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $39,070 to $62,930 — a $23,860 spread, 53% tighter than the national $51,250 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.2% of all correctional officers and jailers in the country (11,780 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $39,070 | $18.78 |
| 25th percentile | $43,650 | $20.99 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| 75th percentile | $53,010 | $25.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,930 | $30.25 |
| Mean (average) | $50,450 | $24.26 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $49,080 | n/a |
| California | $95,840 | +95% |
| New Jersey | $90,150 | +84% |
| Oregon | $83,120 | +69% |
| Massachusetts | $78,830 | +61% |
| Illinois | $78,750 | +60% |
| Nevada | $76,800 | +56% |
| Washington | $76,400 | +56% |
| New York | $75,330 | +53% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,080 | 2,240 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $48,910 | 15,890 |
| Chemical Technicians | $48,870 | 1,360 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $48,780 | 1,330 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $49,390 | 12,270 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,400 | 44,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in North Carolina?
The mean correctional officers and jailers salary in North Carolina is $50,450 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,080 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in North Carolina?
Entry-level correctional officers and jailerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $39,070 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $43,650 per year.
What is the highest Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $62,930 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $53,010 per year.
How does the North Carolina Correctional Officers and Jailers salary compare to the national average?
The median correctional officers and jailers salary in North Carolina is $49,080, which is -15% below national average of $57,970.