Public Service Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Correctional Officer Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median correctional officer salary in Knoxville, TN is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$43,657
vs State Avg
$-496
vs National
$-5,953
Cost of Living
88%

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

Knoxville offers a median correctional officer salary of $43,657, which is $496 below the Tennessee state average of $44,153. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for correctional officers in Knoxville 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 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Correctional Officer Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
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 Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$49,610
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$45,641
Pop. 152,769
Chattanooga, TN
$43,657
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$42,665
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Knoxville

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open correctional officer positions in Knoxville, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,657, a correctional officer in Knoxville earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Knoxville's median correctional officer salary of $43,657 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $44,153. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $43,657 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Knoxville? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Knoxville 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.