How to become a corrections officer in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer. New officers start at $70,464 a year, rising to $95,760. You must be at least 21.
Pay
| Starting salary | $70,464 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $95,760 |
| Scale effective | 2026-08-21 |
Posted range $5,872-$7,980 per month (×12). Range is for non-PERS-qualifying applicants; PERS-qualifying applicants may get a range adjusted up 6.95%. Possible extras: 5% foreign-language differential, 4% SWAT / Crisis Negotiation / FTO, and shift differential. 2025-27 AFSCME/SEIU settlement adds a COLA on 1/1/2027 and a new top step 2/1/2027 (not reflected here).
Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Meet DPSST physical standards
- Pass NTN test with at least 70% in all areas
- Pass ODOC background investigation and CJIS fingerprint check; any felony conviction disqualifies
- Pass psychological evaluation and risk assessment (HB 2936)
- No evidence of substance abuse; drug testing
- Valid driver's license
- Good work history and law-abiding behavior; computer proficiency
Hiring process
- Apply on the State of Oregon Workday career site (one announcement per facility)
- Pass the National Testing Network (NTN) REACT test, which places you on the facility waitlist
- Interview
- Conditional job offer with CJIS fingerprint and background investigation
- Psychological evaluation, risk assessment and drug test
- Basic Corrections Course, then Field Training Evaluation Program during the one-year probation
Entrance exam
National Testing Network (NTN) REACT test. Minimum score 70% in all areas; NTN also gives dimensional ratings (teamwork, integrity, risk of misconduct).[oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com]
Academy
7 weeks, paid. Basic Corrections Course (BCC), seven weeks in the ODOC academy, DPSST-certified and eligible for college credit; paid on-the-job training.[oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Oregon PERS, Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) Pension Program, Police & Fire
- Benefit formula: 1.8% × years of total retirement credit × final average salary (FAS = highest 3 consecutive years, or last 36 months, whichever is greater)
- When you can retire: Normal: age 55, or age 53 with 25 years of service; early (reduced) at age 50; last 60 months of credit must be classified P&F
New hires are OPSRP (hired after Aug 28, 2003). ORS 238.005(19) defines 'police officer' to include Department of Corrections institution employees with custody duties and corrections officers (ORS 181A.355), so DOC COs get P&F treatment. Formula per PERS OPSRP overview page.
Source:[oregon.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.