Public Service Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Correctional Officer Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median correctional officer salary in Columbia, MO is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$43,657
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,953
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median correctional officer salary of $43,657, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $43,657. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,657 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Columbia spans from $29,040 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $29,040
25th Percentile $34,320
Median (50th) $43,657
75th Percentile $55,440
90th Percentile $68,640

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$45,641
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$44,649
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$42,169
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$40,680
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open correctional officer positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Columbia, Missouri is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,040 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,657, a correctional officer in Columbia earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Columbia's median correctional officer salary of $43,657 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $43,657. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $43,657 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Columbia? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Columbia 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.