If you’re considering a career as a correctional counselor, salary is probably one of your biggest questions. A correctional counselor’s salary depends on factors like experience, location, and employer type. This post explains more.
What is a Correctional Counselor?
A correctional counselor provides mental health support to people in correctional facilities, including facilitating personal development and addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.
Correctional counselors work directly with jailed people to help them navigate the challenges of incarceration and rehabilitation. They work in prisons and jails, probation and parole offices, and community reentry programs, just to name some correctional counselor job opportunities.
Average Salary of a Correctional Counselor
A correctional counselor salary varies, as mentioned previously, but on average, they earn a competitive wage compared to other counseling professions.
The average salary for a correctional counselor in the United States ranges between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. The median annual wage typically falls around $55,000, though this can fluctuate based on factors such as job demand and funding for correctional institutions.
Correctional counselors also may receive a well-rounded compensation package beyond their salary, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additional perks may include tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and employee assistance programs for mental health support.
Correctional counselors earn salaries similar to or slightly lower than mental health counselors, who average about $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
Factors That Influence Salary
A correctional counselor salary can vary drastically based on some specific factors that you’ll want to be aware of.
Employer Type
Federal correctional counselors typically earn higher salaries than their state and local counterparts. The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers competitive wages, benefits, and structured pay increases. State correctional counselors often have mid-range salaries, while local facilities may offer lower pay due to budget constraints.
Some correctional counselors work for private organizations, in rehabilitation centers, or for nonprofit organizations. Salaries in these settings vary widely, depending on funding and demand.
Location and Cost of Living
Salaries for correctional counselors can differ significantly by state and region. States with higher cost of living, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, often offer higher salaries to compensate for expenses.
Rural areas may have lower wages but could provide additional incentives, such as lower competition for jobs or government-funded bonuses for working in underserved locations.
Experience and Career Level
Those just starting in the field typically earn on the lower end of the salary spectrum, usually between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. Counselors tend to earn more with years of experience, supervisory roles, and specializations.
Education and Certifications
Most correctional counselors have a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field. Those with specialized training or certifications tend to earn higher salaries or have better opportunities for advancement.
Demand and Job Market Trends
The demand for corrections counselors is growing at a rate of about 4% a year, which is average growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. That means that corrections counselor jobs are readily available and should continue to be.
States or regions with high incarceration rates or prison reform initiatives may have a greater demand for correctional counselors, leading to better salaries and even greater job security.
Think Correctional Counseling is Right for You?
If you think correctional counseling is the right role for you, TK Health is worth considering.
We’re an Oklahoma-based correctional healthcare provider that employs mental health professionals in jails across the region.
Our team oversees the day-to-day healthcare operations in facilities with inmate populations ranging from 25 to more than 2,000 inmates.
Learn more about joining our team.
