Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $58,410 +0.8% vs national
Median hourly $28.08
10th percentile $49,020
90th percentile $84,620
Employed locally 40
National median $57,970

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Correctional Officers and Jailers
in
Ames, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,020
    25th
    $54,770
    50th (median)
    $58,410
    75th
    $68,890
    90th
    $84,620

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Correctional Officers and Jailers salary vs area income 82% Median Correctional Officers and Jailers salary is 18% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Correctional Officers and Jailers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $131,210
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $107,220
    Salinas, CA $106,490
    Bakersfield-Delano, CA $104,090
    El Centro, CA $104,090
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $104,090

    Nearby metros — Correctional Officers and Jailers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $104,090
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $97,490
    California $95,840
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $94,740
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $91,280
    Alexandria, LA $81,430

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Security Guards$37,510
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$75,800
    First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$101,800
    Firefighters$86,140
    Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$23,920

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Correctional Officers and Jailers make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Ames, IA is $28.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.69 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Correctional Officers and Jailers salaries?

    The median Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Ames, IA is 0.8% above the national median of $57,970. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Ames?

    Entry-level Correctional Officers and Jailers (10th percentile) earn around $49,020 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $54,770.