Prison Officer Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences Explained

Prison Officer Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences

When asking prison officer salary, the first question is how it compares to the national line. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The median prison officer sits almost exactly on that line: $2,080 per week, or an index of about 100. But that median hides wide variation by state, employer, and experience.

Median Earnings from the ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 99% of prison officers work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week. Their median full-time earnings are $2,080 per week, and median hourly earnings are $53 per hour. That is above the all-occupation median of $1,852 per week and $47 per hour. These figures come from the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, and exclude managers and part-time employees. The typical prison officer is 40 years old; 26% are female.

Award Minimums vs Actual Pay

The Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award 2020 from the Fair Work Ombudsman sets minimum wages for private prison officers. As of 1 July 2026, a Correctional Officer Level 1 earns a minimum of $1,076.20 per week ($28.32 per hour). That annualises to $55,962, an index of 51.7. A Trainee starts at $1,001.20 per week ($26.35 per hour). These are floors; many prison officers are covered by enterprise agreements that pay significantly more. For example, Victorian prison officers under the Corrections Victoria agreement have a COG structure: COG 2A starts at $70,054 (index 64.6), COG 2B at $81,253 (index 75.0), and COG 3 up to $88,822 (index 82.0).

State Differences

State indices from the Salary Index show how each state's full-time adult ordinary-time earnings relative to the national line. The national line is 100. States with higher indices suggest prison officers in those states may earn more relative to the national average. Western Australia (index 106.9) and the ACT (109.9) are above the line; Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are below. New South Wales (101.2) and Victoria (98) are close to the national line. However, these indices are for all full-time adults, not specifically for prison officers. Prison officers in public sector roles in states with strong enterprise agreements (like Victoria) may earn more than the state index suggests.

Industry Context

Prison officers work in the Public Administration and Safety industry. That industry is not separately listed in the Salary Index industry benchmarks, but it is likely near the national average. For comparison, the Mining industry index is 154.7, Retail Trade 75.9, and Education and Training 105.5. Prison officers' median earnings align closely with the national line, placing them in the middle of the pay spectrum.

How the Salary Index Works

The index is calculated by dividing annual gross earnings by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352) and multiplying by 100. For a prison officer earning the median $108,160, the index is 99.8. A prison officer on the award minimum of $55,962 has an index of 51.7. The index helps compare across states and industries. For example, a prison officer in Western Australia earning the state median of $115,825 would have an index of 106.9, but that is the state benchmark, not a specific job offer.

Tax and Super

Prison officers receive superannuation guarantee of 12% from 1 July 2026. The maximum contribution base is $270,830. Tax for 2026–27: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Medicare levy 2%. A prison officer on the median $108,160 would have a take-home of about $75,000 after tax and Medicare, roughly $75,000. But this is a resident estimate; actual take-home depends on HELP, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.

Key Takeaways

• The median prison officer salary is at the national line, index 100. Award minimums are much lower, index 51.7. State differences matter: WA and ACT higher, Tasmania below. Public sector agreements often pay above award. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement for your state.

For more on state comparisons, see states and industries. To understand the index methodology, visit how the index works.

Prison Officer Salary: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average prison officer salary in Australia? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median full-time weekly earnings for prison officers are $2,080 per week, annualised $108,160, index 99.8. This is almost exactly the national line.

How does prison officer pay compare to the national average? The median prison officer index is about 100, matching the national full-time adult adult ordinary-time earnings. The national minimum wage index is 48.2. State indices vary: WA 106.9, ACT 109.9, Tasmania 88.6.

What are the minimum award rates for prison officers? The Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award 2020 sets minimum: Correctional Officer Level 1 $1,076.20 per week ($28.32 per hour), Trainee $1,001.20 ($26.35). Victorian public sector COG 2A $70,054, COG 2B $81,253.

Salary Index, states, industries, how the index works, topics