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Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Knoxville, TN

Correctional Officers and Jailers in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $50,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $53,130, a common occurrence in regions where local economic factors and demand may influence compensation levels. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of roles within the Knoxville area contribute to this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,350.
  • Outlook: Knoxville's correctional officer job market features a total local workforce of 660 individuals in this role. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these positions is below the national average, suggesting a moderately less saturated market compared to national trends. The rate of 1.583 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential public service professionals within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,320

The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in Knoxville, TN earns-5.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.2

Weekly

$968

Monthly

$4,193

Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN

Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Knoxville, TN, typically involves salary increases tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior officers with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement, rewarding dedication and accumulated expertise within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$38,390$18.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$37,740$18.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$49,560$23.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$62,900$30.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,350$28.5

Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,320

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,320 for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Knoxville, TN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, indicating that residents experience a cost of living that is neither more nor less expensive than the typical American city.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

1.583

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Knoxville, TN has 0.67x the national average concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.67, Knoxville, TN, has a lower concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as dominant a sector within the local job market as it is nationally. This could imply a more specialized or less competitive environment for job seekers in this specific role within Knoxville.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Correctional Officers and Jailers

Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN

Hiring Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in Knoxville, TN?

The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Knoxville, TN is $50,320. This typically ranges from $38,390 for entry-level positions to $59,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 5.3% lower than the national median of $53,130.

Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailerss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $50,320 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage.

Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Asheville, NC ($50,640) and Johnson City, TN.

How does Knoxville's correctional officer salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Knoxville, TN, is $50,320, which is slightly lower than the national average of $53,130.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN for this profession?

Knoxville, TN, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary matches the national standard.

Is there high demand for Correctional Officers in Knoxville?

The job market in Knoxville has a Location Quotient of 0.67, indicating a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting moderate demand.

How many Correctional Officers and Jailers work in Knoxville?

There are approximately 660 Correctional Officers and Jailers employed within the Knoxville, TN, local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.583 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.