Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TX Board of Public Safety
Corrections Officer Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Texas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$51,020 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of $51,020, Corrections Officers in Texas earn 12% below the national median of $57,970. Texas ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$51,020Hourly estimate
$24.5312% below national median
Difference: -$6,950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCorrections Officer Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $95,840 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $90,150 |
| #3 | Oregon | $83,120 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,830 |
| #5 | Illinois | $78,750 |
Nearby States Comparison
Corrections Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $51,020 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $45,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $40,330 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Louisiana | $41,820 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $47,420 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
6330 East Highway 290, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78723
Phone: 5129367700
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $60,840 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $76,350 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $33,390 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $82,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Texas?
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 exams are required for Corrections Officers in Texas?
Texas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Corrections Officers.
What education do you need to become a Corrections Officer in Texas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Corrections Officer licensure in Texas.
What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Texas?
The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Texas is $51,020. Salaries range from $44,660 (10th percentile) to $61,270 (90th percentile).
How does the Corrections Officer salary in Texas compare to the national average?
Corrections Officers in Texas earn 12% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $51,020.
How many Corrections Officers work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 39,150 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Texas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in Texas?
The licensing agency is Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Review agency details at https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/training-requirements.
How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Texas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.