Correctional Officer Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $40,680 (2026)

Correctional Officer Pay in Jonesboro: What to Expect (2026)

Jonesboro offers a median correctional officer salary of $40,680, which is $992 below the Arkansas state average of $41,672. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,680 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Jonesboro spans from $27,060 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $36,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Percentile	Jonesboro	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$27,060	$27,720	$33,000
25th Percentile	$31,980	$32,760	$39,000
Median (50th)	$40,680	$41,672	$49,610
75th Percentile	$51,660	$52,920	$63,000
90th Percentile	$63,960	$65,520	$78,000

Percentile

Jonesboro

10th Percentile

$27,060

25th Percentile

$31,980

Median (50th)

$40,680

75th Percentile

$51,660

90th Percentile

$63,960

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Jonesboro

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Jonesboro and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Jonesboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $40,680 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $27,060 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,680, a correctional officer in Jonesboro earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Jonesboro's median correctional officer salary of $40,680 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $41,672. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $40,680 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Jonesboro? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in Jonesboro require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.

Correctional Officer Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas