Public Service Indiana (IN) Rank #34 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Indiana

The median correctional officer salary in Indiana is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$44,649
vs National
$-4,961
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Correctional Officer salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,649 per year, correctional officers in Indiana earn $4,961 less than the national median of $49,610.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $44,649 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $29,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,200 — a $40,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $52,091.

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced correctional officers with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Correctional Officer Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana 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

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

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

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Indiana

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Indiana

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Indiana? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Indiana 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 Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Indiana earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $64,800.
How does Indiana compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Indiana's median of $44,649 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($45,641) and Louisiana ($45,145).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Indiana earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,800.
What city in Indiana pays correctional officers the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for correctional officers, with a median salary of $52,091. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.