Correctional Officer Salaries in Arkansas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Arkansas pays correctional officers a median wage of $48,620 per year — that's $23.37/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 1,620 correctional officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Correctional Officer salaries in Arkansas are below the national average by approximately $27,810. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Arkansas keep demand strong for correctional officers.
Arkansas Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Arkansas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Arkansas Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Arkansas median of $48,620.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Arkansas
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Arkansas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataCorrectional Officer salaries in Arkansas have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Arkansas's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Arkansas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $53,950 | $25.94 | +11.0% | 567 |
| Fort Smith | $51,550 | $24.78 | +6.0% | 453 |
| Fayetteville | $50,100 | $24.09 | +3.0% | 291 |
| Springdale | $46,700 | $22.45 | -3.9% | 145 |
| Jonesboro | $44,250 | $21.27 | -9.0% | 97 |
| Conway | $42,300 | $20.34 | -13.0% | 64 |
Tip: Little Rock offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Arkansas at $53,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Arkansas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Arkansas sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Arkansas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Arkansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Arkansas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Arkansas keep demand strong for correctional officers.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Arkansas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Arkansas typically adds $39,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Little Rock pays correctional officers $53,950/yr — +11.0% above the Arkansas average. Simply relocating within Arkansas can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Correctional Officers who specialise in corrections and public safety typically command premium rates in Arkansas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Missouri pays correctional officers $45,390/yr — -6.6% vs Arkansas.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Arkansas
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Arkansas:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Arkansas — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Arkansas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Little Rock, AR→