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Public Safety · North Carolina

How to Become a Correctional Officers and Jailers in North Carolina

Correctional Officers and Jailers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $49,080/year, which is 15% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a correctional officers and jailers takes home approximately $1,860/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$49K
Median salary in North Carolina
-15%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
11,780
Employed in North Carolina

What a correctional officers and jailers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$49,080
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$3,272/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home43.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$49,080/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,860/mo

Becoming a correctional officers and jailers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Correctional Officers and Jailers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many correctional officers and jailers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for correctional officers and jailerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 11,780 correctional officers and jailers. The highest concentrations are in Greensboro-High Point and Greenville.

Correctional Officers and Jailers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Greensboro-High Point$56K$26.9/hr460
Greenville$54K$25.92/hr140
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$53K$25.48/hr1,610
Raleigh-Cary$52K$25.24/hr1,210
Asheville$50K$24.18/hr290
Durham-Chapel Hill$50K$24.05/hr210
Winston-Salem$49K$23.58/hr410
Rocky Mount$49K$23.47/hr220
Wilmington$48K$23.19/hr320
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$48K$23.1/hr750
Fayetteville$48K$22.84/hr80
Goldsboro$40K$19.4/hr180

Correctional Officers and Jailers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$39K
25th percentile
$44K
Median (50th)
$49K
75th percentile
$53K
90th percentile (senior)
$63K
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Correctional Officers and Jailers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a correctional officers and jailers make in North Carolina?

The median correctional officers and jailers salary in North Carolina is $49,080 per year ($23.6/hr). This is 15% below the national median of $57,970. Salaries range from $39,070 to $62,930.

What are the requirements to become a correctional officers and jailers in North Carolina?

Correctional Officers and Jailers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a correctional officers and jailers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $49,080, a correctional officers and jailers in North Carolina would take home approximately $3,272/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 43.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for correctional officers and jailers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for correctional officers and jailers in North Carolina are Greensboro-High Point ($55,940), Greenville ($53,920), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($53,010). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for correctional officers and jailers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $49,080 salary, this means roughly $2,209/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.