Public Service Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Correctional Officer Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median correctional officer salary in Lincoln, NE is $44,649 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$44,649
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,961
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median correctional officer salary of $44,649, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $44,649. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for correctional officers in Lincoln spans from $29,700 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

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

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$46,137
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$45,641
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$42,665
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$41,672
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open correctional officer positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,649, a correctional officer in Lincoln earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Lincoln's median correctional officer salary of $44,649 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $44,649. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $44,649 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Lincoln? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Lincoln 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.