The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) employs thousands of Correctional Officers (COs) across the state. If you’re considering a career as a TDCJ CO in 2026, understanding the salary, benefits, and career outlook is crucial. This article dives deep into the TDCJ CO salary in 2026, examining average pay, factors that influence earnings, experience-based differences, and more.
Average TDCJ CO Salary in 2026
In 2026, the average salary for a TDCJ Correctional Officer is estimated to range between $40,500 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and certification. The starting salary for entry-level COs typically begins at around $41,700 per year ($3,475/month).
CO I (Entry-level): $41,700 annually
CO II (after 6 months): $43,800 annually
CO III (after 1 year): $45,900 annually
CO IV (after 2 years): $48,000+ annually
CO V (after 3+ years): $50,100+ annually
Salary by Experience Level
The longer you stay in the role and gain experience, the higher your earning potential:
| Experience Level | Title | Approx. Salary (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 year | CO I | $41,700 |
| 1–2 years | CO II–III | $43,800–$45,900 |
| 2–4 years | CO IV | $48,000–$50,000 |
| 5+ years | CO V+ | $50,000–$60,000+ |
Some supervisory and specialized roles can exceed $65,000 per year, especially if paired with overtime and hazard pay.
Key Factors Influencing Salary
Several variables can affect your salary as a TDCJ CO:
Years of Experience: More time in service means higher pay grades.
Rank and Promotion: Advancing to senior or supervisory roles boosts earnings.
Location: Rural and high-need units often offer recruitment incentives or retention bonuses.
Overtime: COs are frequently eligible for overtime pay, significantly increasing annual take-home income.
Certifications and Training: Specialized roles such as canine handlers or transportation officers may earn more.
Salary Comparison: TDCJ CO vs. Similar Roles
To give some context:
Peloton Instructor Salary (2026): $80,000–$120,000
SAP EDI Consultant: $95,000–$140,000
Senior Lead Navigator (Auxano): ~$85,000
Pen Test Analyst (Cybersecurity): $103,000–$130,000
While these roles differ significantly in responsibilities, the comparison highlights that with promotions and overtime, some COs can approach or exceed the $65K–$75K range, especially with 10+ years of service.
Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary (for context)
If you earn $103,000 annually, your monthly take-home pay (after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare) would be approximately $6,400–$6,800, depending on benefits, deductions, and state-specific variables. This figure helps place TDCJ salaries in context with other professions.
Benefits of Working as a TDCJ CO
TDCJ offers robust benefits beyond the paycheck:
Health Insurance: Coverage for employee and family.
Retirement Plan: State pension plan with employer matching.
Paid Time Off: Vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Hazard Pay: Offered for certain locations or units.
Job Security: Consistent state employment with opportunities for advancement.
Job Market Trends & Outlook
The demand for Correctional Officers in Texas remains steady in 2026. While staffing shortages have posed challenges in recent years, this also creates opportunities for quicker promotion and additional earning potential through overtime and bonuses.
Trends to watch:
Increased focus on mental health and de-escalation training.
Expansion of recruitment incentives in rural units.
Greater use of tech in prison monitoring, creating hybrid roles.
Education & Certifications Impacting Salary
While only a high school diploma or GED is required to become a TDCJ CO, the following can increase your salary or promotion potential:
Criminal Justice Degree: Increases eligibility for higher-level positions.
Certifications: Defensive tactics, crisis negotiation, or correctional management.
Military Experience: Often rewarded with starting bonuses or rank consideration.
Final Thoughts
A career as a TDCJ Correctional Officer in 2026 offers more than just a paycheck. With stable job security, competitive state benefits, and growth potential, it’s a viable option for those seeking a challenging but rewarding public service role. While base pay starts modestly, promotions, overtime, and bonuses can create a lucrative career path over time.