How much does a prison supervisor make?
Answer: A typical prison supervisor in the United States makes $77,970 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 53,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Prison supervisor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a prison supervisor do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A prison supervisor may have to carry an injured person to safety and give emergency first aid—not just direct officers.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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