The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Correctional Psychology around the country.
What We Do
Correctional psychologists, counselors, or specialists are responsible for assisting inmates in developing plans for what they’re going to do with their lives when they’re no longer incarcerated and on parole or on probation. These experts also create in-depth records regarding the history of each inmate, alongside assessments on the risk-level that any inmate has of being arrested again.
Work Environment
The majority of psychologists in correctional institutions will work for state and local government organizations, and as a result can expect a significant amount of good benefits and job stability. Some risk can also be associated with this career however, since correctional counselors are often responsible for interacting with dangerous criminals. What’s more, the job can be somewhat stressful, particularly when there are court-imposed deadlines for reports.
How to Become a Correctional Psychology
The first step in becoming a correctional psychologist is to obtain your bachelor’s degree either in the realm of social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field that can be applied to your career. These degree programs at the bachelor’s degree level will generally offer a range of coursework in various areas that can be beneficial for those entering the correctional field, such as social psychology, correctional methods, and more. People working with prison inmates also need to take numerous examinations, including physical and psychological exams. Federal prisons may require applicants to be of a certain age, possess a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a criminal background check.
Training & Certification Requirements
Government employers at a state or federal level can choose to sponsor a required training program for candidates for the position of correctional psychologist. During this time, it’s not unusual for correctional psychology candidates to serve probationary periods where their work is supervised before they are hired full time. There are also many ways in which correctional counselors can choose to advance their career using further education. For instance, obtaining a master’s degree in criminal justice or a relate matter might open new options for employment. What’s more, the American Probation and Parole Association sometimes offers continued education courses and specialized opportunities for training to applicants.
Correctional Psychology Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Correctional Psychology.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
---|---|
Correctional Officer On Call | $38,000 |
Adc Dcc Deputy Warden | $55,000 |
Corrections Program Manager | $69,000 |
Institutional Security Specialist | $31,000 |
Correctional Program Coordinator | $49,000 |
Msw Psychologist | $45,000 |
Psychologist Clinical Correctional Facility | $101,000 |
Senior Psychologist Correctional Facility | $112,000 |
Adc Dcc Advisor | $35,000 |
Corrections Shift Supervisor | $49,000 |
Correctional Psychology Earning Potential
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated that the median salary for correctional treatment specialists and probation officers as of May 2015 was approximately $49,360 per year. However, the salary for correctional psychologists should be closer to that of psychologists, which according to the BLS is about $72,580 per year.
Correctional Psychology Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is a rate that is faster than average.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Correctional Psychology was $55,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide are 5% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Correctional Psychology Salary by State
The following lists Correctional Psychology salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $69,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $34,000.
Alaska – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Workplace Alaska. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Alabama – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MHM Services Inc.. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Arkansas – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Correction, Arkansas Department of Community Correction, and Advanced Correctional Healthcare. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Arizona – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America, Maricopa County, AZ, Dysart USD 89, and State of Arizona. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
California – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Santa Clara University, San Bernardino County, and Correct Care Solutions. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Colorado – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Colorado Department of Human Services, Community Reach Center, 1ST ALLIANCE TREATMENT, and Maxim Government Services. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Connecticut – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
DC – $69,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MHM Services Inc., Montgomery County Government, PAE, and Corrections, Department of. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Delaware – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Florida – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PeopleFirst Florida HR, The Unlimited Path, Inc., Wexford Health Sources, Inc., and MHM Services Inc.. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Georgia – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dept Behavioral Hlth& Dev Disb, The GEO Group, Inc., MHM Services Inc., and Georgia State Prison. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Hawaii – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Hawaii and Hawaii State Judiciary. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Iowa – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Advanced Correctional Healthcare. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Idaho – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Idaho Division of Human Resources. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Illinois – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Education Centers, Inc., Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, Wexford Health Sources, Inc., and Advanced Correctional Healthcare. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Indiana – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Corizon Health, John P. Craine House, Inc., and Corrections Corporation of America. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Kansas – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corizon Health, Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Regis and Smith, and Unlisted Company. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Kentucky – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Correct Care Solutions. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Louisiana – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Correct Care Solutions and Louisiana Specialized Coordinated Care. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Massachusetts – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Healthlink, MHM Services Inc., Behavioral Health Network, Inc., and Phoenix House. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Maryland – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Maryland, MHM Services Inc., Primecare Medical, Inc., and Montgomery County Government. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Maine – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Michigan – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Michigan, Regis and Smith, Correct Care Solutions, and Advanced Correctional Healthcare. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Minnesota – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Advanced Correctional Healthcare, State of Minnesota, MEnD Correctional Care, and Dakota County. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Missouri – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Securus Technologies, Corizon Health, and All Medical Personnel | Locum Tenens. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Mississippi – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America and MHM Services Inc.. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Montana – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Montana, Missoula Adult Services, Integrity Locums, and Corrections Corporation of America. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
North Carolina – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina, and Greensville NC area. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
North Dakota – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Nebraska – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Nebraska, Seward County, Management Registry, Inc., and City of Lincoln & Lancaster County. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New Hampshire – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like 6006 and Harbor Homes. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New Jersey – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CFG Health Network, Rutgers University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and CFG Health Systems. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New Mexico – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Mexico State Personnel Office, The GEO Group, Inc., MHM Services Inc., and Corrections Corporation of America. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Nevada – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corrections Corporation of America. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
New York – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like NYC Health + Hospitals, New York Medical Alliance, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION, and the Osborne Association. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Ohio – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CompDrug, Management & Training Corporation, State of Ohio Jobs, and North Central Correctional Complex. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Oklahoma – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Regis and Smith, The Geo Group, State of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Department Of Corrections. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Oregon – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oregon, Correct Care Solutions, and YWCA of Greater Portland. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Pennsylvania – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Primecare Medical, Inc., Community Education Centers, Inc., Renewal Inc, and Allegheny County. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Rhode Island – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
South Carolina – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of South Carolina and Correct Care Solutions. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
South Dakota – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like South Dakota State Government and U.S. District Court – South Dakota. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Tennessee – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Tennessee, Correct Care Solutions, Corizon Health, and Corrections Corporation of America. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Texas – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, Corrections Corporation of America, Regis and Smith, and Giles W. Dalby Correctional Facility. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Utah – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Utah. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Virginia – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Armor Correctional Health Services, Dept of Juvenile Justice, The GEO Group, Inc., and The Geo Group. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Vermont – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Washington – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Washington State Department of Corrections, Correct Care Solutions, Spokane County Washington, and State of Washington. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Wisconsin – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., ATTIC Correctional Services, Inc., Milwaukee County, and Rock County, WI. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
West Virginia – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Primecare Medical, Inc. and State of West Virginia. |
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Wyoming – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Correctional Psychology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
|||||||||||
|