Average Correctional Nurse Salary

$54.68/hour

The average salary for a Correctional Nurse is $54.68 per hour. This is 17% higher than the nursing US average of $45.37.

Last updated on November 11, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Salaries for Correctional Nurse compared to Registered Nurse National Averages

$54.68/hour

17% higher than the nursing US average.

$45.37/hour

United States

Where do Correctional Nurses get paid the most?

Wisconsin pays Correctional Nurses the most, averaging $60 per hour, followed by Virginia ($53) and Georgia ($51). Wisconsin also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $69. For comparison, the national average for Correctional Nurses is $55 per hour — Wisconsin pays 11% more.

StateAverage Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
Wisconsin$60$69
Virginia$53$59
Georgia$51$53
North Carolina$50$58
Tennessee$39$40
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Correctional Nurse jobs?

CoreCivic pays Correctional Nurses the most, averaging $49 per hour, followed by Perm Staff Jobs ($41). CoreCivic also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $59. For comparison, the national average for Correctional Nurses is $55 per hour — CoreCivic pays 10% less.

Average Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
CoreCivic$49$59
Perm Staff Jobs$41$41

Last updated on November 11, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

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Correctional Nurse Career Guide

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Correctional Nurse FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Correctional RN?

Earning your Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP), Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN), Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health (CCHP-MH) or Certified Correctional Health Professional - Advanced (CCHP-A) often increases your salary potential as a correctional nurse or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.


Can having a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) boost my salary as a Correctional RN?

Yes, having a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a correctional nurse.

Can having a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) boost my salary as a Correctional RN?

Yes, having a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a correctional nurse.

Can having a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health (CCHP-MH) boost my salary as a Correctional RN?

Yes, having a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Mental Health (CCHP-MH) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a correctional nurse.

Can having a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Advanced (CCHP-A) boost my salary as a Correctional RN?

Yes, having a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Advanced (CCHP-A) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a correctional nurse.

Where can I learn more about working as a Correctional Nursing?

Take a look at Vivian's Correctional Nursing Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.