A correctional officer’s salary in Canada ranges from around $52,000 annually at entry-level to approximately $90,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $72,000 per annum. Correctional officer pay scales may be set federally or provincially, depending on the institution.
Correctional officer (or correctional service officer) is the term for a worker that guards detainees and maintains order in places of detention. More traditionally known as a prison guard or warden.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Correctional Officer's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 43201) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 25.00 | 34.00 | 42.95 |
| Alberta | 28.63 | 35.00 | 41.00 |
| British Columbia | 22.50 | 33.33 | 43.59 |
| Manitoba | 31.00 | 34.35 | 41.25 |
| New Brunswick | 24.00 | 30.06 | 41.83 |
| Newfoundland | 25.50 | 31.80 | 35.08 |
| Northwest Territories | 24.79 | 40.37 | 45.94 |
| Nova Scotia | 30.00 | 32.46 | 46.32 |
| Nunavut | 30.00 | 40.00 | 55.38 |
| Ontario | 25.00 | 35.00 | 43.27 |
| Prince Edward Island | 28.00 | 30.00 | 36.40 |
| Quebec | 26.00 | 32.69 | 42.79 |
| Saskatchewan | 27.00 | 34.00 | 43.27 |
| Yukon Territory | 27.25 | 36.28 | 43.91 |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Correctional Officer’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range correctional officer’s salary in Canada is found in Yukon and Nunavut, where salaries are almost 20% above the national average. Outside of the territories, the highest salaries are found in Alberta.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest correctional officer’s salary in Canada is found in the maritime provinces and particularly in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries should be viewed in this context.
Are Correctional Officers In Demand In Canada?
According to government projections, the three-year prospects for correctional officers range from “moderate” to “good,” depending on the province. The job market is pretty balanced, which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for correctional officers as 15,000 compared to 14,700 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A correctional officer’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a correctional officer’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Correctional Officer In Canada?
The current NOC code for correctional officers in Canada is 43201 (under the old system, the NOC code was 4422). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Correctional facility guard
- Correctional officers supervisor
- Correctional service officer
- Primary worker – correctional service
- Primary worker/kimisinaw – correctional service
- Prison guard
- Detention attendant
Note that this NOC code doesn’t cover probation and parole officers. The NOC code for this occupation is 41311.
Can Immigrant Correctional Officers Work In Canada?
If you trained and worked as a correctional officer overseas, this may give you an advantage in applying for correctional officer positions in Canada. However, your overseas training won’t be directly transferable, and you must undergo further training before you can work in this field.
You should also be aware of Canada’s different types of correctional facilities. For example, correctional officers at federal facilities will undergo different training programs than those working at provincial facilities.
In addition, each province has its own training program and officers that move provinces will generally need to re-train. You should contact the trade association of the province you plan to move to for complete details.
The standard basic requirements to work as a correctional service officer in Canada are:
- High school diploma
- Ability to meet strength and fitness requirements
- First aid certification and possibly also Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Able to pass security screening
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Ontario?
A correctional officer’s salary in Ontario ranges from $52,500 to $90,867 per annum. The mid-range salary in Ontario is $73,500, which is slightly higher than the national mid-range salary of $71,400.
The highest mid-range correctional officer’s salary in Ontario is in the Kingston-Pembroke region, at around 6% higher than average. A correctional officer’s salary in Toronto aligns with provincial averages.
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What Is A Correctional Officer’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a correctional officer in Ontario is $52,500, which is in line with average starting salaries across Canada.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range correctional officer’s salary in Toronto is $73,500, in line with provincial averages. However, it’s important to note that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, while the salary may seem competitive, you may find that your money doesn’t go as far in Toronto as it might in other cities.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range correctional officer’s salary in Ottawa is also $73,500. However, property costs in Ottawa are generally lower than in Toronto. This means your salary might stretch further in Ottawa, allowing for a potentially higher standard of living.
Are Correctional Officers In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, correctional officers are in demand in Ontario. Despite recent hiring efforts, staffing levels have not fully recovered from a 2014 hiring freeze. Significant funding allocated for the transformation of the correctional system in Ontario is adding job opportunities for this occupation.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Alberta?
A correctional officer’s salary in Alberta ranges from $60,123 to $86,100. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $73,500, which is on par with the national mid-range salary of $71,400.
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What Is A Correctional Officer’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a correctional officer in Alberta is $60,123. This is significantly higher than the national starting salary of $52,500, making Alberta an attractive province for those starting their careers in corrections.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range correctional officer’s salary in Calgary is $73,500, above national averages. In addition, Calgary has a lower cost of living than most other major cities in Canada, which could mean a higher standard of living for correctional officers living here.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Edmonton?
At the mid-range, a correctional officer’s salary in Edmonton is also $73,500. Edmonton has a low cost of living, especially when it comes to property prices, which could make your salary go further and potentially offer a higher standard of living.
Are Correctional Officers In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, correctional officers are in demand in Alberta. The job prospects in Alberta are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for correctional officers is pretty balanced and expected to be stable for the foreseeable future.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In BC?
A correctional officer’s salary in BC ranges from $47,250 to $91,539. The mid-range salary in BC is $69,993, which is slightly lower than the national mid-range salary of $71,400.
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What Is A Correctional Officer’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a correctional officer in BC is $47,250. This is lower than the national mid-range starting salaries of around $52,500.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range correctional officer’s salary in Vancouver is $69,993. However, Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of Canada’s highest real estate costs. Therefore, while the salary may seem competitive, you may find that your money doesn’t go as far in Vancouver as it might in other cities.
What Is A Correctional Officer’s Salary In Victoria?
A correctional officer’s salary in Victoria is $68,593 at the mid-range. Property costs in Victoria are generally lower than in Vancouver, so your salary might stretch further in Victoria, allowing for a higher standard of living.
Are Correctional Officers In Demand In BC?
Yes, correctional officers are in demand in BC. The job prospects in BC are rated “moderate,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for correctional officers is pretty balanced and expected to be stable for the foreseeable future.
Where To Find More Information About Correctional Officer Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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