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Verified by CA Board of Public Safety

Corrections Officer Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    The Type 8 license is for laboratories that test cannabis goods prior to sale at a retailer.

  3. 3

    You can use an interim testing license while you work on your accreditation.

  4. 4

    Gross annual revenue Application fee License fee.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Cannabis Control

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $95,840 median (65% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Gross annual revenue Application fee License fee.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Cannabis Control and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $95,840, Corrections Officers in California earn 65% above the national median of $57,970. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$95,840

Hourly estimate

$46.08
65% above national median

Difference: +$37,870

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,880
  • P2525th percentile$78,340
  • P50Median$95,840
  • P7575th percentile$106,380
  • P9090th percentile$111,380

State vs National Median

State: $95,840
National: $57,970

Total employment: 37,760 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$95,840
#2New Jersey$90,150
#3Oregon$83,120
#4Massachusetts$78,830
#5Illinois$78,750

Nearby States Comparison

Corrections Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$95,840Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$83,120Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$76,800Varies by state boardState exam required18 years
Arizona$54,970Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Cannabis Control

PO Box 419106, Rancho Cordova, CA

Phone: N/A

Visit Official WebsiteOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$83,400Varies by state board1 month
Police Officer$115,400Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$43,930Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$77,640Varies by state board1-2 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in California?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in California is $95,840. Salaries range from $62,880 (10th percentile) to $111,380 (90th percentile).

How does the Corrections Officer salary in California compare to the national average?

Corrections Officers in California earn 65% above the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $95,840.

How many Corrections Officers work in California?

California employs approximately 37,760 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Cannabis Control. Review agency details at https://cannabis.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.