Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Missouri
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Missouri earn a median of $42,620 a year ($20.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,670 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,940 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $58,940. Missouri ranks 45th of 49 states for correctional officers and jailers pay. There are 2.3 correctional officers and jailers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for correctional officers and jailers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,210 | $17.89 |
| 25th percentile | $42,620 | $20.49 |
| Median | $42,620 | $20.49 |
| 75th percentile | $46,420 | $22.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,940 | $30.74 |
| Average (mean) | $46,230 | $22.23 |
Half of correctional officers and jailers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,551.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,775.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,639.23 |
| Weekly | $819.62 |
| Hourly | $20.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $42,620 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $51,390 | 1,350 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $50,980 | 1,620 |
| Springfield, MO | $46,940 | 690 |
| Columbia, MO | $42,620 | 220 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $42,620 | 900 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $42,620 | 320 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $41,170 | 60 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $35,200 | 90 |
Highest-paying states for correctional officers and jailers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $96,370 |
| New Jersey | $94,770 |
| Massachusetts | $86,310 |
| Oregon | $83,690 |
| Washington | $79,460 |
| Illinois | $79,190 |
| New York | $76,820 |
| Nevada | $76,490 |
| Wisconsin | $73,470 |
| Alaska | $71,360 |
Related jobs in Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $59,460 | $28.59 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $75,650 | $36.37 |
| Bailiff | $44,040 | $21.17 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $70,030 | $33.67 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $67,840 | $32.61 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $39,040 | $18.77 |
| Security Guard | $40,390 | $19.42 |
| Firefighter | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $94,440 | $45.41 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $29,260 | $14.07 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $75,970 | $36.53 |
| School Bus Monitor | $34,220 | $16.45 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $58,200 | $27.98 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-3012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a correctional officers and jailers make in Missouri?
The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Missouri is $42,620 a year, or $20.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,940 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid correctional officers and jailers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of correctional officers and jailers in Missouri earn at least $63,940 a year. The top 25% earn $46,420 or more.
What is the starting pay for correctional officers and jailers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,210 a year, and a quarter of correctional officers and jailers earn $42,620 or less.
How many correctional officers and jailers work in Missouri?
About 6,670 correctional officers and jailers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.