Public Service Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Correctional Officer Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median correctional officer salary in Wheeling, WV is $38,696 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$38,696
vs State Avg
$-2,976
vs National
$-10,914
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median correctional officer salary of $38,696, which is $2,976 below the West Virginia state average of $41,672. Compared to the national median of $49,610, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $38,696 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Wheeling spans from $25,740 at the 10th percentile to $60,840 at the 90th percentile — a $35,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,300, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,160. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $27,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,300
$-7,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,000
$-11,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,160
$-15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $25,740
25th Percentile $30,420
Median (50th) $38,696
75th Percentile $49,140
90th Percentile $60,840

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
Parkersburg, WV
$39,688
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open correctional officer positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $38,696 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $25,740 (10th percentile) to $60,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,696, a correctional officer in Wheeling earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Wheeling's median correctional officer salary of $38,696 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $41,672. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a correctional officer salary of $38,696 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Wheeling? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Wheeling 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.