How to become a corrections officer in New Mexico
The New Mexico Corrections Department hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer. New officers start at $38,885 a year, rising to $70,575. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $38,885 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $70,575 |
| Scale effective | 2026-07-04 |
Start is the bottom of the cadet pay band in the FY27 state schedule; the department often hires above it.
Source:[spo.state.nm.us]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Valid New Mexico driver's license or ability to obtain one
- No felony convictions
- No domestic violence convictions
- Pass background check, psychological evaluation, medical assessment and drug screen (urinalysis)
- No prior experience necessary; no upper age limit
Source:[cd.nm.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply online through the NM State Personnel Office job site
- Application review and interview
- Screening at the NM Corrections Training Academy in Santa Fe (document processing, fingerprinting, interview, written psychological assessment, psychological interview)
- Background, medical and drug screening
- Training academy
Source:[cd.nm.gov]
Academy
8 weeks, paid. About 8 weeks, a stay academy 4 days a week in Santa Fe; multi-stage physical agility test is an exit (graduation) standard.[spo.state.nm.us]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
- Benefit formula: 3% x final average salary x credited service, capped at 100% of FAS
- When you can retire: Tier 2 public safety plans (State Public Safety Officer Plan 1): any age with 25 years of service credit, or age 60 with 5 years; vested at 5 years
Source:[nmlegis.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.