Public Service Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Correctional Officer Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median correctional officer salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $39,688 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$39,688
vs State Avg
$-1,488
vs National
$-9,922
Cost of Living
80%

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

Hattiesburg offers a median correctional officer salary of $39,688, which is $1,488 below the Mississippi state average of $41,176. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $39,688 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Hattiesburg spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,600. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $31,200
Median (50th) $39,688
75th Percentile $50,400
90th Percentile $62,400

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$42,169
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$41,672
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$41,176
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$40,680
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open correctional officer positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $39,688 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,688, a correctional officer in Hattiesburg earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median correctional officer salary of $39,688 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $41,176. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $39,688 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Hattiesburg 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.