Correctional Officer Salary in Jackson, MS: $42,169 (2026)

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

Jackson offers a median correctional officer salary of $42,169, which is $993 above the Mississippi state average of $41,176. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson'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 Jackson an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Jackson 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 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, 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

Percentile	Jackson	MS State	National
10th Percentile	$28,050	$27,390	$33,000
25th Percentile	$33,150	$32,370	$39,000
Median (50th)	$42,169	$41,176	$49,610
75th Percentile	$53,550	$52,290	$63,000
90th Percentile	$66,300	$64,740	$78,000

Percentile

Jackson

10th Percentile

$28,050

25th Percentile

$33,150

Median (50th)

$42,169

75th Percentile

$53,550

90th Percentile

$66,300

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Jackson

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Jackson

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Jackson, MS? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Jackson, Mississippi 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 Jackson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,169, a correctional officer in Jackson earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Jackson's median correctional officer salary of $42,169 is 2.4% above the Mississippi state average of $41,176. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼

Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $42,169 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most correctional officer positions in Jackson 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 Jackson, Mississippi