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.
The starting annual salary for a Correctional Officer Trainee (as of 06/01/11) is $42,432. During the three-month appointment as a trainee all Correctional Officer Trainees are required to attend six weeks at the Corrections Training Academy.