How to become a corrections officer in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections hires state corrections officers under the title Corrections Officer Trainee / Corrections Officer. New officers start at $59,009 a year, rising to $82,243. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $59,009 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $82,243 |
| Scale effective | 2025-07-11 |
Start is the trainee rate, paid through the academy (Band 1 Step 3); top is Band 1 Step 11 ($39.54/hr).
Source:[das.nh.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or high school equivalency credential
- Must complete the Corrections Academy and obtain Corrections Officer certification from the Police Standards and Training Council during probation (per DOC postings; not read from the posting itself)
- Armed post
Source:[jobs.corrections.nh.gov]
Hiring process
- Speak to a recruiter / apply on NH First
- Physical agility test
- Psychological assessment
- Oral board interview
- Ocular-motor deception test
- Medical examination and drug screening
- Background investigation
- Interview with Warden/Director
- Hired as CO Trainee and attend Corrections Academy
Source:[jobs.corrections.nh.gov]
Academy
10 weeks, paid.[pstc.nh.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS), Group II (police and fire), Tier C
- Benefit formula: 2% x average final compensation x years of creditable service (max 42.5 years), for Group II members who commenced service on or after July 1, 2011; AFC = highest five years for members not vested by January 1, 2012
- When you can retire: Age 52.5 with 25 years of creditable service (reduced allowance from age 50 with 25 years, cut 1/4% per month before 52.5), or age 60 regardless of service (RSA 100-A:5, II)
- Social Security: no, this job is not covered
Tier for new hires = Group II members commencing service on or after July 1, 2011 (NHRS 'Tier C'). DOC recruiting site advertises a 'full pension after just 25 years of service and a minimum age of 52.5'. 2025 law (ch. 142) phases in changes from July 1, 2027 to 2034.
Source:[nhrs.org]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.