Public Service Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Correctional Officer Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median correctional officer salary in Columbus, OH is $47,130 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$47,130
vs State Avg
+$2,481
vs National
$-2,480
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median correctional officer salary of $47,130, which is $2,481 above the Ohio state average of $44,649. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus spans from $31,350 at the 10th percentile to $74,100 at the 90th percentile — a $42,750 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,400. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,400
$-3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $31,350
25th Percentile $37,050
Median (50th) $47,130
75th Percentile $59,850
90th Percentile $74,100

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$44,649
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$42,665
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$41,672
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$40,680
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Columbus

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Columbus

Browse open correctional officer positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Columbus

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Columbus, Ohio is $47,130 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $31,350 (10th percentile) to $74,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,130, a correctional officer in Columbus earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Columbus's median correctional officer salary of $47,130 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $44,649. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $47,130 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Columbus? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Columbus 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.