Public Service Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Correctional Officer Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median correctional officer salary in Nashville, TN is $49,610 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$49,610
vs State Avg
+$5,457
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median correctional officer salary of $49,610, which is $5,457 above the Tennessee state average of $44,153. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $78,000 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Correctional Officer Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $39,000
Median (50th) $49,610
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $78,000

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Nashville

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Nashville

Browse open correctional officer positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Nashville

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $49,610 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $78,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,610, a correctional officer in Nashville earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Nashville's median correctional officer salary of $49,610 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $44,153. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $49,610 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Nashville? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Nashville 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.