Public Service Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Correctional Officer Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Charleston, WV is $43,657 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$43,657
vs State Avg
+$1,985
vs National
$-5,953
Cost of Living
88%

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

Charleston offers a median correctional officer salary of $43,657, which is $1,985 above the West Virginia state average of $41,672. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for correctional officers in Charleston 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. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, 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 Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
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 West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$44,649
Pop. 30,955
Huntington, WV
$40,680
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$39,688
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$38,696
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Charleston

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Charleston

Browse open correctional officer positions in Charleston, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Charleston, WV? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Charleston, West Virginia 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 Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,657, a correctional officer in Charleston earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Charleston's median correctional officer salary of $43,657 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $41,672. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $43,657 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Charleston? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Charleston 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.