📊
Advertise on WageByState
6,200+ data pages · all 50 states · BLS-verified
Reach professionals actively researching salary & career data
→

Correctional Officer Salaries in Ohio — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median correctional officer salary in Ohio is $78,480 per year, equivalent to $37.73/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Ohio employs approximately 590 correctional officers statewide.

Correctional Officer salaries in Ohio are above the national average by approximately $2,050. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.

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

Ohio Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Ohio after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$78,480
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$62,087

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Ohio Correctional Officer Check

Interactive

Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Ohio median of $78,480.

Your annual salary ($)

Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Ohio

Entry Level (0–2 years)$48,700/yr · $23.41/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Ohio.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$69,847/yr · $33.58/hr
Established professional working independently in Ohio. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$87,112/yr · $41.88/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Ohio.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$113,000+/yr · $54.33/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Ohio.
👥
Sponsor this section
Put your brand in front of HR & career decision-makers
High-intent audience · Niche relevance · Brand-safe environment
→

Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Ohio — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Correctional Officer salaries in Ohio 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 Ohio's corrections and public safety.

2021
$68,905
2022
$72,907
+5.8%
2023
$76,282
+4.6%
2024
$77,538
+1.6%
2026
$78,480
+1.2%

Correctional Officer Salary by City — Ohio

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Columbus$87,100$41.88+11.0%206
Cleveland$83,200$40.00+6.0%165
Cincinnati$80,850$38.87+3.0%106
Toledo$75,350$36.23-4.0%53
Akron$71,400$34.33-9.0%50
Dayton$68,300$32.84-13.0%50

Tip: Columbus offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Ohio at $87,100/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Ohio vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Ohio — 3.75% state income tax$78,480 gross~$62,087 take-home
Michigan — 4.25%$75,460 gross-3.8% vs OH
Pennsylvania — 3.07%$92,480 gross+17.8% vs OH
West Virginia — 6.5%$56,720 gross-27.7% vs OH

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.

📈
Sponsorship available
America's most comprehensive salary data site
All 50 states · 49 professions · BLS-verified figures
→

Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Ohio

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
590Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

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

How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Ohio

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Ohio typically adds $64,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbus pays correctional officers $87,100/yr — +11.0% above the Ohio average. Simply relocating within Ohio 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 Ohio. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Michigan pays correctional officers $75,460/yr — -3.8% vs Ohio.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Ohio

Live Listings

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a correctional officer make in Ohio?
The average correctional officer salary in Ohio is $78,480 per year, or $37.73 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $48,700 while experienced professionals earn $113,000 or more.
Where do correctional officers earn the most in Ohio?
Columbus pays correctional officers the most in Ohio at an average of $87,100 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Ohio correctional officer salary compare to the national average?
Ohio correctional officer salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $2,050. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.
What's the after-tax salary for correctional officers in Ohio?
A correctional officer earning the Ohio average of $78,480 takes home approximately $62,087 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.
Is correctional officer a good career in Ohio?
Yes. Correctional Officer is a strong career choice in Ohio with steady demand projected over the next decade. Ohio's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for correctional officers.
What's the licensing process for correctional officers in Ohio?
In Ohio, 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.