Public Service Fort Wayne, IN Pop. 263,886

Correctional Officer Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The median correctional officer salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $42,169 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 5.6% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$42,169
vs State Avg
$-2,480
vs National
$-7,441
Cost of Living
85%

Correctional Officer Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median correctional officer salary of $42,169, which is $2,480 below the Indiana state average of $44,649. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $42,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,611 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Fort Wayne spans from $28,050 at the 10th percentile to $66,300 at the 90th percentile — a $38,250 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,750, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $29,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,750
$-5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Wayne, IN

Percentile Fort Wayne
10th Percentile $28,050
25th Percentile $33,150
Median (50th) $42,169
75th Percentile $53,550
90th Percentile $66,300

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$52,091
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$46,137
Pop. 887,642
Evansville, IN
$41,672
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$41,176
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Fort Wayne

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Fort Wayne

Browse open correctional officer positions in Fort Wayne, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $42,169 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $28,050 (10th percentile) to $66,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,169, a correctional officer in Fort Wayne earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Fort Wayne's median correctional officer salary of $42,169 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $44,649. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $42,169 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Fort Wayne? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Fort Wayne 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.