Public Service Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Correctional Officer Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Parkersburg, WV is $39,688 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$39,688
vs State Avg
$-1,984
vs National
$-9,922
Cost of Living
80%

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

Parkersburg offers a median correctional officer salary of $39,688, which is $1,984 below the West Virginia state average of $41,672. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $39,688 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Parkersburg spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,600. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $31,200
Median (50th) $39,688
75th Percentile $50,400
90th Percentile $62,400

Correctional Officer Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$44,649
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$43,657
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$40,680
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$38,696
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open correctional officer positions in Parkersburg, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $39,688 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,688, a correctional officer in Parkersburg earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median correctional officer salary of $39,688 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $41,672. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $39,688 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Parkersburg? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Parkersburg 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.