How to become a corrections officer in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer 1. New officers start at $45,621 a year, rising to $54,975. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $45,621 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $54,975 |
Posted CO1 (Grade CO1) range $45,621-$54,975, plus a 10% geographic stipend on base salary at the posted complex and a $5,000 hiring bonus ($2,500 after the academy, $2,500 after 6 months). Candidates with no experience get a $1,427.92 raise on graduating from COTA. JLBC baseline materials reference a 4% FY26 correctional officer stipend. Range is from a current azstatejobs posting; the top figure is the posting's range max, not a published step schedule.
Source:[azstatejobs.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Citizenship: Proof of legal U.S. residency
- Valid driver's license
- No felony convictions
- Pass background investigation
Source:[azstatejobs.gov]
Hiring process
- Online application (azstatejobs.gov)
- Comprehensive knowledge exam
- Psychological exam
- Fitness exam and medical/physical examination
- Three personal reference letters and criminal background review
- 13-week Correctional Officer Training Academy (COTA)
- 12-month probation
Source:[azstatejobs.gov]
Academy
13 weeks, paid. COTA in Tucson: about 8 weeks classroom/scenario training, 4 weeks field training (FTEP), then return to COTA to finish. Posting does not state whether academy time is paid.[azstatejobs.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP), administered by PSPRS — Tier 3 Defined Contribution (DC) Plan
- When you can retire: No pension formula for new correctional officers: individual DC account. Employee contributes 7% by default (elect 5% up to IRS limit) plus disability cost; employer contributes 5.5% plus disability cost.
Per the PSPRS CORP Matrix of Plan Provisions (updated 07/2026), Tier 3 (hired on/after July 1, 2018) correction and detention officers hired on/after 9/1/2019 pay into the DC Plan after 90 days; only AOC probation/surveillance officers may elect the DB plan (1.25%-2.25% graded multiplier, age 55 with 10 years).
Source:[psprs.com]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.