You get a masters degree after you get a job in your chosen field, otherwise, you may price yourself out of the market. Employers who require degrees can hire entry level employees with a bachelors for less money, if they pay a bonus for higher degrees. airbob61@verizon.net Â· 8 years ago.
As of 2011, the highest-paying state for corrections officers was New Jersey, where the average salary was $69,840 a year. California ranked second at $66,540, followed by Massachusetts at $57,450, New York at $56,900 and Alaska at $55,380.
Salary and Benefits. 1  The annual starting salary for an entry level Corrections Officer is approximately $33,400. 2  After five years of service, Corrections Officers receive longevity pay; a lump sum provided once a year based on time-in-service as of October 1 of each year.