Public Service Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Correctional Officer Salary in Nebraska

The median correctional officer salary in Nebraska is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610.

Median Salary
$44,649
vs National
$-4,961
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Correctional Officer Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for correctional officer compensation. Correctional Officer salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,649 per year, correctional officers in Nebraska earn $4,961 less than the national median of $49,610.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $44,649 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: correctional officers at the 10th percentile earn $29,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,200 — a $40,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $46,137.

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced correctional officers with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Correctional Officer Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $29,700
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $44,649
75th Percentile $56,700
90th Percentile $70,200

Correctional Officer Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for correctional officers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Nebraska

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Nebraska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Nebraska? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Nebraska is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $29,700 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Nebraska earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for correctional officers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for correctional officer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level correctional officers earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $64,800.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for correctional officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for correctional officers is Hawaii at $84,337. Nebraska's median of $44,649 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($44,649) and Michigan ($44,649).
What is the entry-level correctional officer salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level correctional officer in Nebraska earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,800.
What city in Nebraska pays correctional officers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for correctional officers, with a median salary of $46,137. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.