Correctional Officer Salary Guide: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax for 2026-27
A full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 earns $28.32 per hour, or $1,076.20 per week, equating to approximately $55,962 per year based on 38 hours per week.
Understanding the Correctional Officer Salary
If you are researching a correctional officer salary in Australia, the primary reference is the Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award 2020 (MA000110). This award sets minimum pay rates for private-sector correctional employees, including custodial officers, court security officers, and detention services officers. The rates below apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, as published by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
For a full-time Correctional Officer Level 1, the minimum hourly rate is $28.32, with a weekly rate of $1,076.20 for 38 ordinary hours. To convert this into an annual figure, use the standard formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. That gives $28.32 × 38 × 52 = $55,962 per year. This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances. For a fortnightly pay period, simply double the weekly rate: $1,076.20 × 2 = $2,152.40 before tax.
Award Classifications and Pay Levels
The award includes several classification levels. A Correctional Officer Level 2 earns $30.87 per hour ($1,173.10 weekly), while a Correctional Supervisor Level 1 earns $35.11 per hour ($1,334.20 weekly). Other roles such as Custody Officer ($29.45/hour) and Prisoner Escort Transport Officer ($29.45/hour) also have defined rates. These are minimum rates; actual pay may be higher depending on the employer or enterprise agreements.
Comparing to National Benchmarks
The correctional officer salary for a Level 1 officer ($55,962 per year) is above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, or $52,254 per year for 38 hours). However, it is below the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time earnings, which was $2,083.70 per week (approximately $108,352 per year) in May 2026. This reflects that correctional officer roles are typically paid below the national average for full-time employees, though they include penalty rates and allowances that can boost take-home pay.
Casual Loading and Penalty Rates
Casual correctional employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate, as per clause 11.1 of the award. For a Correctional Officer Level 1, the casual rate is $28.32 × 1.25 = $35.40 per hour. This loading is paid instead of entitlements like annual leave and sick leave. Penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime are calculated on the base rate (excluding the casual loading). For example, Saturday work for a dayworker is paid at 150% of $28.32 = $42.48 per hour. The casual loading page explains how this works in more detail.
Tax and Superannuation on Your Correctional Officer Salary
Your annual gross pay is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026-27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. Using the Level 1 annual salary of $55,962, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $9,000–$10,000, leaving a take-home pay of around $46,000 per year. Use the take-home pay tool for a more precise estimate.
Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $55,962 salary, the employer contributes an additional $6,715 per year into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay. See super and packaging for details on salary sacrifice options.
Fortnightly and Annual Pay in Context
A full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 paid fortnightly receives $2,152.40 gross per fortnight. After tax and Medicare, the net amount is roughly $1,770–$1,820, depending on your tax file number declaration. If you work overtime or on weekends, penalty rates increase your pay. The award also provides allowances such as a first aid allowance of $4.91 per shift (up to $21.12 per week) for designated first aid officers.
Using the Hourly to Annual Calculator
To calculate your own correctional officer salary, enter your base hourly rate into the timesheet. The tool multiplies by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks, then estimates tax and super. If you are a casual employee, check the casual loading box to add 25% on top of the base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes the loading. The result is an annual gross figure, not including penalty rates or allowances. For award-specific pay guides, visit pay guides or job pay.
Important Disclaimer
Annual pay shown here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026-27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025-26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026-27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.