Public Service Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Kansas

The median correctional officer salary in Kansas is $43,161 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$43,161
vs National
$-6,449
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Correctional Officer salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,161 per year, correctional officers in Kansas earn $6,449 less than the national median of $49,610.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $43,161 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $28,710, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,860 — a $39,150 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $47,626.

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 Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,640 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,640
$-9,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $28,710
25th Percentile $33,930
Median (50th) $43,161
75th Percentile $54,810
90th Percentile $67,860

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Kansas

Education

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

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Kansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Kansas

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Kansas? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Kansas is $43,161 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $28,710 (10th percentile) to $67,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,161, a correctional officer in Kansas earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $30,450, while senior professionals earn $62,640.
How does Kansas compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Kansas's median of $43,161 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($43,657) and Alabama ($43,161).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Kansas earns approximately $30,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,640.
What city in Kansas pays correctional officers the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for correctional officers, with a median salary of $47,626. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.