The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a major law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice. Its officers are responsible for maintaining safety, security, and order within federal correctional institutions.
In 2025, the salary structure for BOP officers reflects both the complexity of the job and the federal pay system that governs law enforcement positions. Salaries are influenced by grade levels, locality pay, overtime, and other allowances, making it important for applicants and officers to understand exactly how their pay is calculated.
This guide will explain in simple terms how the pay system works, provide detailed salary tables, compare earnings across locations, outline benefits, and answer common questions about BOP officer pay.
How the Federal Bureau of Prisons Salary System Works
BOP correctional officers are part of the GL (Law Enforcement Officer) pay scale, which is similar to the General Schedule (GS) system but has higher rates to reflect the additional risks and duties of law enforcement.
1. Base Pay
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Determined by grade level (GL-5 to GL-8 for entry-level) and step (1 to 10).
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Higher grades are awarded for advanced education, military service, or relevant experience.
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Annual step increases occur until step 10.
2. Locality Pay
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Adjusts salaries based on the cost of living in a duty location.
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Varies widely — from about 16% in lower-cost areas to over 40% in high-cost cities.
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Calculated as a percentage of base pay.
3. Overtime Pay
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FLSA Overtime: 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours beyond the standard schedule.
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BOP officers frequently work mandatory overtime due to staffing needs.
4. Premium Pay
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Night Differential: Extra pay for work between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
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Sunday Premium Pay: Additional 25% of hourly rate for Sunday shifts.
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Holiday Pay: Double pay for working on federal holidays.
Summary Table – BOP Officer Monthly Salary Estimates (2025)
The following table estimates monthly pay for officers at different grades, including average locality pay and overtime.
| Grade Level | Base Monthly Pay | With Average Locality Pay | With Overtime (20 hrs/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL-5 Step 1 | $3,550 | $4,150 | $4,950 |
| GL-6 Step 1 | $3,800 | $4,450 | $5,350 |
| GL-7 Step 1 | $4,050 | $4,750 | $5,700 |
| GL-8 Step 1 | $4,300 | $5,050 | $6,100 |
| GL-8 Step 10 | $5,500 | $6,400 | $7,750 |
Figures are rounded estimates. Actual salaries vary by location, grade, and overtime hours.
Salary by Location – 2025 Locality Pay Impact
Locality pay is one of the biggest factors in determining a BOP officer’s total salary. Officers in high-cost metropolitan areas earn more than those in lower-cost regions.
High Locality Pay Areas
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San Francisco, CA – Locality rate: ~45%
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GL-7 Step 5 monthly pay: ~$6,900 with overtime.
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New York City, NY – Locality rate: ~36%
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GL-6 Step 5 monthly pay: ~$6,200 with overtime.
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Washington, D.C. – Locality rate: ~33%
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GL-8 Step 7 monthly pay: ~$7,400 with overtime.
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Moderate Locality Pay Areas
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Dallas, TX – Locality rate: ~24%
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GL-6 Step 3 monthly pay: ~$5,800 with overtime.
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Chicago, IL – Locality rate: ~28%
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GL-7 Step 4 monthly pay: ~$6,200 with overtime.
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Low Locality Pay Areas
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Tallahassee, FL – Locality rate: ~17%
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GL-5 Step 5 monthly pay: ~$4,800 with overtime.
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Oklahoma City, OK – Locality rate: ~16%
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GL-6 Step 4 monthly pay: ~$5,100 with overtime.
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Factors Affecting BOP Officer Salary
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Grade and Step – Promotions and step increases bring higher pay.
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Locality Pay Rate – Higher in expensive areas.
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Overtime Hours – Extra shifts can raise monthly income significantly.
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Shift Type – Night, weekend, and holiday work add premiums.
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Special Assignments – K9 unit, transport team, or tactical response can include extra pay.
Benefits for Federal Bureau of Prisons Officers
BOP officers enjoy comprehensive federal benefits:
Retirement
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Covered under FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System).
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Special law enforcement retirement eligibility (can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service or any age with 25 years).
Health and Life Insurance
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Access to FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) and FEGLI (Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance).
Paid Leave
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13 days annual leave in the first 3 years.
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20 days annual leave after 3 years.
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26 days annual leave after 15 years.
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13 days sick leave per year.
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11 federal holidays.
Training and Uniforms
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Paid training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).
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Uniform allowance.
Career Progression and Salary Growth
BOP officers can advance to supervisory positions, which significantly increases pay.
| Position | Monthly Salary Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Correctional Officer GL-5 | $4,150 – $4,950 |
| Correctional Officer GL-8 | $5,050 – $6,100 |
| Senior Officer Specialist | $6,200 – $7,500 |
| Lieutenant | $7,300 – $8,800 |
| Captain | $8,500 – $10,500 |
| Associate Warden / Warden | $9,500 – $13,000+ |
Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency / Position | Average Monthly Pay | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| BOP Correctional Officer | $4,950 – $7,750 | Federal retirement, health, overtime |
| CBP Officer | $5,200 – $8,200 | Overtime, night pay |
| Border Patrol Agent | $5,500 – $9,000 | AUO overtime, location pay |
| U.S. Marshals Deputy | $6,200 – $9,800 | High overtime potential |
FAQs – Federal Bureau of Prisons Officer Pay
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What is the starting salary for a BOP officer in 2025?
Around $4,150 monthly with average locality pay. -
Do BOP officers get overtime pay?
Yes, and it can significantly boost monthly income. -
How often are pay raises given?
Step increases annually until step 10, plus grade promotions. -
What is the highest-paying BOP location?
San Francisco, CA, due to the highest locality rate. -
Do BOP officers receive hazard pay?
Not standard, but special assignments may include premium pay. -
Is BOP officer pay better than state correctional officer pay?
Usually yes, especially with federal benefits and overtime. -
Can officers choose their duty location?
Assignments are based on agency needs, but preferences can be requested. -
Is locality pay taxable?
Yes, all pay components are generally taxable. -
Do BOP officers have mandatory retirement?
Yes, at age 57 with 20 years of service. -
Can BOP officers transfer to other federal agencies?
Yes, experience is transferable to many other law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Federal Bureau of Prisons officer salary structure offers competitive pay, strong locality adjustments, and generous overtime opportunities. A new officer can expect around $4,150 per month with locality pay, while experienced officers and supervisors can exceed $10,000 monthly.
The combination of base salary, locality pay, overtime, and federal benefits makes this career attractive for those seeking stability, advancement, and service to the nation.