Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Kentucky
Correctional Officers and Jailers in Kentucky make a median of $40,230 a year, or about $19.34 an hour. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $65K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Kentucky. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $40K get you in Kentucky?
About correctional officers and jailers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Kentucky
Entry-level correctional officers and jailers (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $40K. Top earners bring in $65K or more, a $36K spread from bottom to top.
Correctional Officers and Jailers salary by metro in Kentucky
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $52K | +30% | 550 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $47K | +18% | 670 |
| Elizabethtown | $39K | -3% | 110 |
| Owensboro | $38K | -5% | N/A |
| Bowling Green | $36K | -11% | 160 |
Compare to other states
Track correctional officers and jailers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Kentucky numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do correctional officers and jailers make in Kentucky?
The median is $40,230 a year, that works out to about $19 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,230, and experienced correctional officers and jailers can clear $65,150. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $40K enough to live in Kentucky?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,730/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,110/month, which eats 40.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a correctional officers and jailers salary go in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median correctional officers and jailers salary is worth about $44,586 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do correctional officers and jailers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.