Correctional Officer Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median correctional officer salary in Tennessee is $70,510 per year, equivalent to $33.90/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Tennessee employs approximately 880 correctional officers statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $5,920. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Tennessee keep demand strong for correctional officers.
Tennessee Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $70,510.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataCorrectional Officer salaries in Tennessee 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 Tennessee's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $78,250 | $37.62 | +11.0% | 308 |
| Memphis | $74,750 | $35.94 | +6.0% | 246 |
| Knoxville | $72,650 | $34.93 | +3.0% | 158 |
| Chattanooga | $67,700 | $32.55 | -4.0% | 79 |
| Clarksville | $64,150 | $30.84 | -9.0% | 52 |
| Murfreesboro | $61,350 | $29.50 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Tennessee at $78,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Tennessee keep demand strong for correctional officers.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Tennessee typically adds $57,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays correctional officers $78,250/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays correctional officers $50,950/yr — -27.7% vs Tennessee.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Nashville, TN→