Fact Check: "The average salary for correctional officers in the US is around $40,000 per year."
What We Know
The claim that the average salary for correctional officers in the United States is around $40,000 per year is inaccurate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for correctional officers and jailers was reported to be $57,970 as of May 2024. This figure indicates a significant difference from the claimed average.
Furthermore, additional sources corroborate this information. For instance, a report from U.S. News states that correctional officers made a median salary of $53,300 in 2023, with the best-paid 25% earning around $68,580. Additionally, ZipRecruiter indicates that the average salary for correctional officers is approximately $54,007 per year, which aligns closely with the Bureau of Labor Statistics' findings.
Analysis
The claim of an average salary of $40,000 appears to stem from outdated or misinterpreted data. The most reliable sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consistently report median salaries significantly higher than this figure. The BLS is a government agency known for its comprehensive and accurate labor statistics, making it a highly credible source for wage information.
While some reports, such as those from Indeed, might show lower hourly rates, they still do not support the claim of an average salary being around $40,000. Indeed reports an average hourly wage of $23.85, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $49,668 for full-time positions. This is still above the $40,000 mark.
The discrepancy in the claim may arise from a misunderstanding of entry-level salaries or regional variations, but the overall data indicates that the average salary for correctional officers is well above $40,000.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that the average salary for correctional officers in the US is around $40,000 per year is incorrect. The median salary is reported to be between $53,300 and $57,970, according to multiple reliable sources. This significant difference highlights the importance of referring to accurate and up-to-date data when discussing occupational salaries.
Sources
- Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
- Correctional Officer
- 12 Balance Exercises for Seniors | with PDF and Pictures
- Salary: Correctional Officer (June, 2025) United States
- Top 5 Balance Exercises for Seniors - WebMD
- Correctional Officer Salary in 2025: Job Outlook & Pay
- Balance Exercises for Older Adults: 11 Moves to Try - Healthline
- Correctional officer salary in United States
