How to become a corrections officer in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Correction hires state corrections officers under the title Correction Officer I. New officers start at $69,038 a year, rising to $95,657 after about 6 years. You must be at least 19.
Pay
| Starting salary | $69,038 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $95,657 |
| Years to top | 6 |
| Scale effective | 2025-01-12 |
Source:[mass.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 19
- Education: High school diploma or MA DESE-approved equivalency certificate, or three years of U.S. armed forces service with honorable discharge (as of appointment date)
- Age 19 as of the civil service exam date (MGL ch. 125, s. 4)
- Must be able to obtain and keep a license to carry a firearm (MGL ch. 140, s. 131)
- Valid Massachusetts Class D driver's license or equivalent from another state
- No felony or misdemeanor conviction followed by jail or house of correction confinement (MGL ch. 125, s. 9); PREA disqualifiers
- No tobacco smoking after appointment
- Must complete DOC training during a nine-month probationary period
Source:[mass.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply for and pass the Civil Service Correction Officer I written exam ($75 fee)
- Sign the certification list when your rank is reached
- Criminal history background report
- Physical Abilities Test
- Oral interview
- Medical exam, psychological evaluation and drug screening
- 12-week Basic Training Academy
Source:[mass.gov]
Entrance exam
Correction Officer I Examination (Civil Service, HRD). Written exam given several times a year; next sitting February 5-6, 2027, applications October 13, 2026 to January 5, 2027. Tests reading/applying rules, concise writing, data analysis and record keeping. Experience credit and veteran preferences available.[mass.gov]
Academy
12 weeks, paid. Twelve-week Basic Training Academy at full biweekly pay; assignment to any institution statewide ("Where Assigned" list).[mass.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Massachusetts State Employees' Retirement System (MSERS), Group 4
- Benefit formula: Age-based percentage x years of service x average of highest consecutive five-year annual rate of regular compensation; Group 4 hired on/after April 2, 2012: 1.45% at age 50 rising to 2.5% at age 57+; maximum 80%
- When you can retire: Group 4 members hired on/after April 2, 2012: minimum retirement age 50 (chart starts at 10 years of service)
- Social Security: no, this job is not covered
Tier for new hires = members hired on or after April 2, 2012 (pension reform). Overtime, bonuses and unused sick leave are not counted. DOC recruiting pages advertise "20 years, 50%".
Source:[mass.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.