How to become a corrections officer in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer I. New officers start at $58,068 a year, rising to $81,300. You must be at least 21.
Pay
| Starting salary | $58,068 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $81,300 |
| Scale effective | 2026-08-24 |
Posting range $4,839-$6,775 per month (× 12). Figures are from a CDOC Correctional Officer I posting (Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, opened 08/24/2026); ranges can differ by facility.
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Citizenship: Valid U.S. work authorization at time of application
- Valid driver's license
- No felony convictions
- Additional sexual-misconduct conviction restrictions
- Pass medical screening, Defensive Tactics physical ability and TB screening
- Adhere to the CDOC Drug Deterrence Program
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Hiring process
- Online application (governmentjobs.com)
- Comparative analysis: suitability screening, online assessment, oral assessment and/or written performance assessment
- Medical screening and TB screening
- Defensive Tactics physical ability
- Six-week CDOC Basic Training
Source:[governmentjobs.com]
Academy
6 weeks, paid. Must pass all modules of the six-week CDOC Basic Training. Posting does not say whether it is paid.[cdoc.colorado.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Colorado PERA — State Division, Safety Officer provisions (Defined Benefit Plan)
- Benefit formula: 2.5% × Highest Average Salary (highest 5 years for members starting on/after Jan 1, 2020) × years of service, up to 100%
- When you can retire: Safety officers hired on/after Jan 1, 2020: any age with 35 years, age 55 with 25 years, or age 65 with any years
- Social Security: no, this job is not covered
Corrections officers classified I-IV whose PERA membership began on/after Jan 1, 2020 are Safety Officers. Member contribution 13.0%. PERA says most PERA members do not contribute to Social Security. A PERA DC plan is also offered as an alternative.
Source:[content.copera.org]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.