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Correctional Officer Salaries in Missouri — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a correctional officer make in Missouri? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $45,390/yr ($21.82/hr), with around 1,020 people working in this field statewide.

Correctional Officer salaries in Missouri are below the national average by approximately $31,040. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

Missouri's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for correctional officers.

Missouri Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Missouri after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$45,390
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$37,364

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Missouri Correctional Officer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Missouri median of $45,390.

Your annual salary ($)

Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Missouri

Entry Level (0–2 years)$28,100/yr · $13.51/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Missouri.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$40,397/yr · $19.42/hr
Established professional working independently in Missouri. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$50,382/yr · $24.22/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Missouri.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$65,400+/yr · $31.44/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Missouri.
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Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Missouri — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

correctional officers pay in Missouri has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the correctional officer workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Missouri's corrections and public safety.

2021
$39,852
2022
$42,167
+5.8%
2023
$44,119
+4.6%
2024
$44,845
+1.6%
2026
$45,390
+1.2%

Correctional Officer Salary by City — Missouri

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Kansas City$50,400$24.23+11.0%357
Saint Louis$48,100$23.12+6.0%285
Springfield$46,750$22.48+3.0%183
Columbia$43,550$20.94-4.1%91
Independence$41,300$19.86-9.0%61
Jefferson City$39,500$18.99-13.0%50

Tip: Kansas City offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Missouri at $50,400/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Missouri vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Missouri sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.

Missouri — 4.8% state income tax$45,390 gross~$37,364 take-home
Iowa — 6.0%$73,880 gross+62.8% vs MO
Illinois — 4.95%$106,510 gross+134.7% vs MO
Kentucky — 4.0%$50,950 gross+12.2% vs MO

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

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Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Missouri

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,020Currently employed
102+New jobs projected

Employment for correctional officers in Missouri is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Missouri job market. Missouri's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for correctional officers.

How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Missouri

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Missouri typically adds $37,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Kansas City pays correctional officers $50,400/yr — +11.0% above the Missouri average. Simply relocating within Missouri 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 Missouri. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Iowa pays correctional officers $73,880/yr — 62.8% vs Missouri.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a correctional officer earn in Missouri on average?
The average correctional officer salary in Missouri is $45,390 per year, or $21.82 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $28,100 while experienced professionals earn $65,400 or more.
Which Missouri city has the highest correctional officer salary?
Kansas City pays correctional officers the most in Missouri at an average of $50,400 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is correctional officer pay in Missouri above or below the US average?
Missouri correctional officer salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $31,040. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
What's the after-tax salary for correctional officers in Missouri?
A correctional officer earning the Missouri average of $45,390 takes home approximately $37,364 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
Is correctional officer a good career in Missouri?
Yes. Correctional Officer is a strong career choice in Missouri with steady demand projected over the next decade. Missouri's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for correctional officers.
What's the licensing process for correctional officers in Missouri?
In Missouri, correctional officers are licensed through the State Department of Corrections. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Department of Corrections for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.