Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $42,140. This figure falls below the national average of $53,130, a disparity often seen in nonmetropolitan regions where cost of living and local economic factors can influence compensation levels. The specific economic landscape of this Kentucky region shapes the earning potential for these essential public service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,760.
- Outlook: The job market for Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Central Kentucky appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 940 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.31 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles within the region compared to the rest of the country. This suggests a consistent demand for these professionals, making the job market relatively stable.
Salary Overview
The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-20.7%below the national average.
$20.3
$810
$3,512
Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for correctional officers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for public service roles, suggesting that the $42,140 average may have seen incremental growth.
Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers typically correlates with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would reflect this career ladder, with senior officers occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $27,620 | $13.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $31,605 | $15.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,140 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $52,675 | $25.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $68,760 | $33.1 |
Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,140 in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating here would not present an immediate financial disadvantage from a cost of living perspective.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
5.476
Per 1K Jobs
2.31
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x the national concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.31, South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers than the national average. This indicates a strong regional demand and a specialized labor market for these positions. While this suggests ample opportunities, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for job seekers within the local pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Correctional Officers and Jailers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $55,100↑ 31% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $37,230↓ 12% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $47,880↑ 14% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $55,260↑ 31% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Correctional Officers and Jailerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $42,140. This typically ranges from $27,620 for entry-level positions to $68,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 20.7% lower than the national median of $53,130.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailerss?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.The average salary of $42,140 is considerably lower than the national average of $53,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($55,100) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of local workers impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 940 Correctional Officers and Jailers suggests a substantial presence of this profession in the region, indicating consistent demand and a stable job market for qualified individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.31 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 2.31 signifies that Correctional Officers and Jailers are more than twice as concentrated in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, highlighting a strong regional specialization and demand.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $42,140 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there many job openings for Correctional Officers in this area?
The high concentration (LQ of 2.31) and significant local workforce (940) suggest a healthy number of job openings and a consistent need for Correctional Officers and Jailers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.476 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Correctional Officers and Jailers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area