Public Service Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Correctional Officer Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median correctional officer salary in Athens, GA is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$44,649
vs State Avg
$-1,488
vs National
$-4,961
Cost of Living
90%

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

Athens offers a median correctional officer salary of $44,649, which is $1,488 below the Georgia state average of $46,137. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for correctional officers in Athens spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $44,649
75th Percentile $56,700
90th Percentile $70,200

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$50,602
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$45,641
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$43,657
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$42,665
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Athens

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Athens and the surrounding Georgia 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 Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Athens

Browse open correctional officer positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Athens

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Athens, Georgia is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Athens earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Athens's median correctional officer salary of $44,649 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $46,137. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $44,649 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Athens? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Athens 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.