Public Service Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Correctional Officer Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median correctional officer salary in Lexington, KY is $46,137 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$46,137
vs State Avg
+$2,976
vs National
$-3,473
Cost of Living
93%

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

Lexington offers a median correctional officer salary of $46,137, which is $2,976 above the Kentucky state average of $43,161. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $30,690 at the 10th percentile to $72,540 at the 90th percentile — a $41,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,960. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $30,690
25th Percentile $36,270
Median (50th) $46,137
75th Percentile $58,590
90th Percentile $72,540

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Louisville, KY
$45,641
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$43,657
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$41,672
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$40,680
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Lexington

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Lexington

Browse open correctional officer positions in Lexington, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Lexington

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $46,137 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $30,690 (10th percentile) to $72,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,137, a correctional officer in Lexington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Lexington's median correctional officer salary of $46,137 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $43,161. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $46,137 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Lexington? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Lexington 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.