Correctional Officer Salary in Memphis, TN: $42,665 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median correctional officer salary of $42,665, which is $1,488 below the Tennessee state average of $44,153. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,665 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Memphis spans from $28,380 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,100

$-4,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$28,380	$29,370	$33,000
25th Percentile	$33,540	$34,710	$39,000
Median (50th)	$42,665	$44,153	$49,610
75th Percentile	$54,180	$56,070	$63,000
90th Percentile	$67,080	$69,420	$78,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$28,380

25th Percentile

$33,540

Median (50th)

$42,665

75th Percentile

$54,180

90th Percentile

$67,080

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Memphis

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Memphis 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 Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $42,665 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $28,380 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,665, a correctional officer in Memphis earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Memphis's median correctional officer salary of $42,665 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $44,153. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $42,665 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Memphis? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in Memphis 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.

Correctional Officer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee