Correctional Officer Salary in Owensboro, KY: $40,680 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median correctional officer salary of $40,680, which is $2,481 below the Kentucky state average of $43,161. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,680 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Owensboro spans from $27,060 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $36,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$59,040

$-12,960 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$27,060	$28,710	$33,000
25th Percentile	$31,980	$33,930	$39,000
Median (50th)	$40,680	$43,161	$49,610
75th Percentile	$51,660	$54,810	$63,000
90th Percentile	$63,960	$67,860	$78,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$27,060

25th Percentile

$31,980

Median (50th)

$40,680

75th Percentile

$51,660

90th Percentile

$63,960

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Owensboro

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $40,680 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $27,060 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,680, a correctional officer in Owensboro earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Owensboro's median correctional officer salary of $40,680 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $43,161. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $40,680 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Owensboro? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in Owensboro 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.

Correctional Officer Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky