If you're considering a career as a correctional officer in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, or you're already in the system and wondering about your earning potential, you're not alone. Thousands of people across Australia are searching for transparent and up-to-date information on correctional officer salaries, especially as responsibilities, security risks, and cost-of-living expenses increase.
This comprehensive guide breaks down Correctional Officer Pay in New South Wales by Rank in 2025, providing full details on salary structures, promotional pathways, allowances, and much more. Whether you're a recruit, serving officer, or just exploring the career path, this guide will help you understand exactly what to expect in terms of pay and benefits at every level.
Understanding the NSW Correctional Services Career Structure
Correctional officers in NSW are employed under Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW), a division of the Department of Communities and Justice. Their rank structure is hierarchical and closely tied to experience, qualifications, and performance. As officers progress through the ranks, they receive significant boosts in salary and responsibilities.
The typical rank progression in NSW corrective services is as follows:
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Correctional Officer (Recruit/Probationary)
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Correctional Officer (Qualified)
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Senior Correctional Officer
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Correctional Supervisor
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Assistant Superintendent
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Superintendent
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Governor (Class A, B, or C)
Each rank has its own classification level, and pay is regulated by enterprise agreements and reviewed periodically based on budget changes, industrial relations negotiations, and government policy.
Correctional Officer (Recruit and Probationary) Pay in NSW (2025)
At the entry point, recruits undergo rigorous training at the Corrective Services Academy before deployment. During this training and probationary period (usually the first 12 months), officers are paid a fixed training salary.
Estimated 2025 Recruit Pay:
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Annual Salary: AUD $61,300 – $65,000
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Hourly Rate: Approx. AUD $30–$32/hour
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Status: Trainee status; limited operational duties
Recruits are not eligible for full operational duties until successfully completing academy training. However, they do receive penalty rates for evening, weekend, and public holiday work even during the probation phase.
Correctional Officer (Qualified) Salary in NSW (2025)
After completing probation and achieving certification, officers are recognized as fully qualified. This is where most officers begin to earn overtime, shift penalties, and enjoy improved benefits.
Estimated 2025 Salary Range:
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Base Annual Salary: AUD $68,500 – $77,000
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With Overtime & Penalties: AUD $85,000 – $95,000
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Overtime Pay Rate: 1.5x to 2x base hourly rate
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Typical Weekly Hours: 38–42, not including overtime
Shift work is common, and the irregular hours lead to higher earnings for most correctional officers. At this stage, the job becomes more demanding, with tasks including inmate supervision, searches, escorts, and conflict de-escalation.
Senior Correctional Officer Salary in NSW (2025)
Senior Correctional Officers (SCOs) have proven experience and often take on mentorship roles. They may act as shift leaders and handle more complex inmate situations.
Estimated 2025 Salary Range:
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Base Annual Salary: AUD $82,000 – $92,000
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With Overtime & Penalties: AUD $100,000 – $115,000
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Allowances: Uniform, firearm, on-call (where applicable)
SCOs are eligible for leadership training and are frequently assessed for suitability to supervisory roles. Their salary growth reflects their increasing responsibility in maintaining safety and order.
Correctional Supervisor and Assistant Superintendent Salary (2025)
These mid-management ranks serve as the bridge between officers and facility executives. They oversee unit operations, manage rosters, handle reports, and respond to incidents.
Correctional Supervisor Estimated Salary:
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Annual Pay: AUD $95,000 – $105,000
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With Penalties & Benefits: AUD $115,000 – $125,000
Assistant Superintendent Estimated Salary:
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Annual Pay: AUD $110,000 – $123,000
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With Full Benefits: AUD $130,000+
Supervisory ranks typically work more regular hours but still qualify for emergency callout pay and various site-specific allowances.
Superintendent and Governor Salary in NSW (2025)
At the top of the career ladder are Superintendents and Governors. They are responsible for overall prison administration, budgets, staffing, compliance, and inmate welfare policies.
Superintendent Estimated Pay:
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Annual Salary: AUD $130,000 – $145,000
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Total with Performance Bonus: Up to AUD $160,000+
Governor Classes (C to A):
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Governor C: $135,000 – $145,000
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Governor B: $145,000 – $155,000
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Governor A: $155,000 – $175,000+
These positions are highly competitive and appointed based on years of service, qualifications, and merit. They receive generous annual leave, professional development allowances, and often vehicle or accommodation benefits.
Additional Allowances and Benefits for Correctional Officers in NSW
Apart from base pay, correctional officers are entitled to a range of financial incentives:
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Shift Penalties: For evenings, weekends, and public holidays
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Overtime: For hours beyond standard rosters
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Uniform Allowance: Up to AUD $1,200 annually
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Remote or Regional Allowance: For officers posted in rural areas
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Firearm/Weapons Qualification Pay
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On-call and Standby Pay
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Annual Leave Loading: 17.5% of salary during leave
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Superannuation Contributions: Up to 11% employer-funded
Summary Table: Correctional Officer Pay by Rank in NSW (2025)
| Rank | Base Salary (AUD) | With Penalties/OT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit/Probationary Officer | $61,300 – $65,000 | Up to $70,000 | During training period |
| Correctional Officer (Qualified) | $68,500 – $77,000 | $85,000 – $95,000 | Includes shift penalties |
| Senior Correctional Officer | $82,000 – $92,000 | $100,000 – $115,000 | Experienced officers, leadership roles |
| Correctional Supervisor | $95,000 – $105,000 | $115,000 – $125,000 | Mid-level manager |
| Assistant Superintendent | $110,000 – $123,000 | Up to $130,000+ | Reports to Superintendent |
| Superintendent | $130,000 – $145,000 | Up to $160,000+ | Facility management |
| Governor A – C | $135,000 – $175,000 | With bonuses | Top executive roles |
How to Become a Correctional Officer in NSW (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Meet Eligibility Requirements
Must be 18+, with a valid driver's license and no disqualifying criminal record. -
Apply via Corrective Services NSW
Applications open periodically. Visit their official website for updates. -
Pass Physical and Medical Assessments
Includes fitness tests, psychometric screening, and medical evaluations. -
Attend the Corrective Services Academy
Intensive training program covering procedures, safety, and legal knowledge. -
Complete Probationary Period
You’ll work under supervision and be assessed for full certification. -
Advance through the Ranks
Performance reviews, exams, and professional development are needed to climb higher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary for correctional officers in NSW in 2025?
The starting salary for recruits is between AUD $61,300 and $65,000 annually, with additional allowances during training.
2. Do correctional officers in NSW receive overtime?
Yes, officers receive overtime pay at 1.5x or 2x their base hourly rate depending on the hours and days worked.
3. How often are correctional officer salaries reviewed?
Salaries are reviewed as part of enterprise bargaining agreements, usually every 2–3 years, or as mandated by government wage policies.
4. Can you earn six figures as a correctional officer in NSW?
Absolutely. With experience, overtime, and allowances, most senior officers and supervisors easily exceed AUD $100,000 per year.
5. What benefits come with the job?
Benefits include penalty rates, superannuation, uniform allowance, remote posting bonuses, and annual leave loading.
6. Is there a high demand for correctional officers in NSW?
Yes. Recruitment occurs frequently due to retirements, prison expansions, and staff transitions.
7. Can correctional officers transfer between states in Australia?
Yes, though certifications and training may need to be cross-recognized or revalidated depending on the destination state.
8. Do correctional officers get paid while in training?
Yes, recruits receive full-time salary while attending the Corrective Services Academy.
9. Are there career progression opportunities?
Definitely. Correctional officers can rise to supervisory, management, and executive ranks with experience and training.
10. What is the retirement age for correctional officers in NSW?
While there's no fixed age, most officers retire between 55–65 depending on their superannuation and health.
Final Thoughts
Correctional officer pay in New South Wales is not only competitive but structured to reward experience, dedication, and responsibility. From a starting point of over AUD $60,000 to leadership roles commanding well above AUD $170,000, this career path offers job security, growth, and financial stability.
If you're thinking about joining or advancing within Corrective Services NSW, now is the time to understand your earning potential and plan your path upward.
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