Tennessee ranks 28th of 50 states and D.C. for correctional officers and jailers pay, trailing top-paying California ($95,840) by $44,350 — a 86% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,920 to $65,190 — a $27,270 spread, 47% tighter than the national $51,250 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.1% of all correctional officers and jailers in the country (7,610 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,920 | $18.23 |
| 25th percentile | $46,150 | $22.19 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,490 | $24.76 |
| 75th percentile | $55,100 | $26.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| Mean (average) | $51,290 | $24.66 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $51,490 | n/a |
| California | $95,840 | +86% |
| New Jersey | $90,150 | +75% |
| Oregon | $83,120 | +61% |
| Massachusetts | $78,830 | +53% |
| Illinois | $78,750 | +53% |
| Nevada | $76,800 | +49% |
| Washington | $76,400 | +48% |
| New York | $75,330 | +46% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $51,480 | 10,510 |
| Clergy | $51,580 | 780 |
| Graphic Designers | $51,740 | 4,190 |
| Editors | $51,060 | 960 |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,030 | 1,740 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $52,060 | 1,940 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Tennessee?
The mean correctional officers and jailers salary in Tennessee is $51,290 per year. The median (middle) salary is $51,490 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Tennessee?
Entry-level correctional officers and jailerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $37,920 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,150 per year.
What is the highest Correctional Officers and Jailers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $65,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $55,100 per year.
How does the Tennessee Correctional Officers and Jailers salary compare to the national average?
The median correctional officers and jailers salary in Tennessee is $51,490, which is -11% below national average of $57,970.