The prison officer in Australia plays a crucial role in maintaining order, security, and safety within the correctional facilities. This job can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging, requiring strong communication, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Salaries for prison officers in Australia range widely, with good entry-level earning potential. In this complete article, we will elaborate on the information on prison officer salary in Australia with the major factors that influence the salary breakdown of a prison officer in Australia.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Prison Officer Earn in Australia?
- Experience Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
- Education Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
- Organisation Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
- Cities Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
- Positions Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
- FAQs
How Much Does a Prison Officer Earn in Australia?
The average prison officer salary in Australia varies depending on experience and location. On average, a prison officer earns around AUD 45,100 annually, which is approximately AUD 3,758 per month. Entry-level positions can expect a lower salary, with the lowest annual earnings around AUD 20,900, or AUD 1,741 per month. On the other hand, experienced officers or those in senior positions can earn up to AUD 68,900 annually, equating to AUD 5,741 per month. These figures reflect the salary range for prison officers, offering a broad spectrum depending on career progression and specialized roles within the correctional system
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Experience Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
Here’s a detailed breakdown of prison officer salaries in Australia based on years of experience. Salaries increase with experience, training, and additional responsibilities.
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0-2 Years | AUD 23,400 |
2-5 Years | AUD 30,700 |
5-10 Years | AUD 44,500 |
10-15 Years | AUD 55,200 |
15-20 Years | AUD 59,200 |
20+ Years | AUD 64,600 |
Education Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
In Australia, a prison officer’s salary can vary depending on their level of education. While formal education is not always a strict requirement for becoming a prison officer, having additional qualifications can influence salary progression and career advancement opportunities.
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
High School | AUD 29,600 |
Certificate or Diploma | AUD 53,300 |
What are the major Factors Affecting Average Salary in Australia 2025
Organisation Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
Here’s a detailed breakdown of prison officer salaries in Australia by organization, focusing on government and private operators:
Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
Department of Justice and Community Safety | AUD 63,000- AUD 69,000 |
Corrective Services NSW | AUD 69,000- EUR 91,000 |
ACT Public Service Health Directorate | AUD 67,000- AUD 88,000 |
ACT Auditor-General’s Office | AUD 65,000- AUD 85,000 |
Cultural Facilities Corp | AUD 67,00- AUD 88,000 |
The Gro Group of Australia | AUD 60,000- AUD 90,000 |
NSW Department of Communities and Justice | AUD 67,000- AUD 81,000 |
Government of South Australia | AUD 66,000- AUD 75,000 |
Cities Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
Prison officer salaries in Australia can vary depending on the city or region where you work, due to differences in cost of living, demand for officers, and allowances for working in remote areas. Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of prison officer salaries:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Adelaide | AUD 43,500 |
Brisbane | AUD 45,000 |
Canberra-Queanbeyan | AUD 41,400 |
Gold Coast-Tweed | AUD 42,700 |
Gosford | AUD 39,600 |
Melbourne | AUD 45,000 |
Newcastle | AUD 38,900 |
Perth | AUD 45,100 |
Sunshine Coast | AUD 42,000 |
Wollongong | AUD 40,000 |
Sydney | AUD 46,400 |
Positions Wise Prison Officer Salary in Australia
Here’s a breakdown of prison officer salaries in Australia by position, detailing entry-level roles through to senior management and specialized roles:
Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Control Room Operator | AUD 27,400 |
Fire Education Specialist | AUD 81,700 |
Forensic Investigator | AUD 94,200 |
Investigator | AUD 103,600 |
Jail Officer | AUD 43,500 |
Parole Officer | AUD 49,700 |
Police Captain | AUD 114,300 |
Security Adviser | AUD 103,600 |
Surveillance Operator | ADU 39,800 |
Traffic Controller | AUD 57,100 |
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FAQs
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident 18 years of age or older.
Consider completing a formal qualification.
Apply to become a Correctional Officer through the justice department in your state or territory.
If your application is successful, you’ll join a training program.
“Correctional officer” is used in Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and the U.S. In Australia, prison officers were known as turnkeys until the 19th century after which they were known as warders until the late 20th century.
The main responsibilities of a prison officer are to contribute to offender rehabilitation and to maintain the safety and security of the prison facility, prisoners and staff.
All prisoners undergo reception and assessment before being placed in a prison unit appropriate to the prison and the prisoner’s needs. Generally, all sentenced prisoners are expected to work and are encouraged to participate in vocational education and training programs as well as rehabilitation programs.
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