Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Tennessee
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Tennessee earn a median of $50,940 a year ($24.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 6,990 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,790 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $58,940. Tennessee ranks 34th of 49 states for correctional officers and jailers pay. There are 2.1 correctional officers and jailers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $51,420, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for correctional officers and jailers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,690 | $18.60 |
| 25th percentile | $46,750 | $22.48 |
| Median | $50,940 | $24.49 |
| 75th percentile | $57,740 | $27.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,790 | $30.19 |
| Average (mean) | $51,420 | $24.72 |
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 | $4,245 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,122.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,959.23 |
| Weekly | $979.62 |
| Hourly | $24.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,940 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $53,210 | 1,370 |
| Knoxville, TN | $52,040 | 720 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $50,940 | 2,040 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $49,430 | 310 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $48,440 | 430 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $46,260 | 200 |
| Jackson, TN | $45,770 | 140 |
| Morristown, TN | $43,060 | 100 |
| Johnson City, TN | $40,570 | 60 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $59,280 | $28.50 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $77,090 | $37.06 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $75,930 | $36.51 |
| Bailiff | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $35,730 | $17.18 |
| Security Guard | $36,000 | $17.31 |
| Firefighter | $49,300 | $23.70 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $74,770 | $35.95 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,200 | $13.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $77,920 | $37.46 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $50,830 | $24.44 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $49,360 | $23.73 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $61,110 | $29.38 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for correctional officers and jailers in Tennessee is $50,940 a year, or $24.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,790 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid correctional officers and jailers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of correctional officers and jailers in Tennessee earn at least $62,790 a year. The top 25% earn $57,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for correctional officers and jailers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,690 a year, and a quarter of correctional officers and jailers earn $46,750 or less.
How many correctional officers and jailers work in Tennessee?
About 6,990 correctional officers and jailers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.