How much does a prison supervisor make?
a year · about $37 an hour
A typical prison supervisor in the United States makes $77,970 a year, about $37 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At roll call, they check inmate counts, watch officers, and keep the assigned area orderly. They help settle conflicts, train staff, respond to emergencies if needed, and complete reports.
Did you know? A prison supervisor may have to carry an injured person to safety and give emergency first aid—not just direct officers.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $52,330 and $127,780How do you become one?
In the US, earn a high school diploma or equivalent, meet agency rules (Florida requires officers to be at least 18), and complete academy and on-the-job training as a correctional officer. With experience, seek promotion to sergeant or another supervisor role.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the US, experienced supervisors and people with useful skills may earn more; pay also differs by employer and location. Extra hours or shift premiums can change total pay too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($131,210), lowest in Missouri ($46,840).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $52,330 | $77,970 | $127,780 | about 53,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $131,210 | about 5,000 |
| New Jersey | $117,450 | about 1,000 |
| Illinois | $105,450 | about 3,000 |
| New York | $103,320 | about 3,000 |
| Oregon | $99,890 | about 610 |
Official definition: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-1011.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes331011.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- doc.wa.gov/jobs/career-paths/correctional-officer-co
- www.fldocjobs.com/career-paths/correctional-officer
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY