How to become a corrections officer in Mississippi

Pay

MDOC advertises entry as the rank of corporal at $40,392.06 (0-2 years experience). Higher ranks are separate jobs: sergeant $44,788.15 (2-3 yrs), captain $47,196.30 or $47,169.30 (MDOC copies disagree), major $52,388.16 (bachelor's + 3-4 yrs). Overtime is paid. No published step scale or top rate for the entry title was found.

Source:[mdoc.ms.gov]

Requirements

• Minimum age: 18
• Education: MDOC sources conflict: the hiring flyer lists '8th Grade + 0-2 years of experience' for corporal, while an MDOC recruiting release says 'high school diploma or GED plus up to two years' experience'
• Valid driver's license
• Valid Social Security card
• No felony or domestic violence convictions; some misdemeanors are disqualifying

Source:[mdoc.ms.gov]

Hiring process

1. Walk-in or scheduled interview at a hiring facility (Mon-Fri 8 am-1 pm: Parchman, Pearl, Leakesville, Holly Springs, Walnut Grove)
2. Application through the Mississippi State Personnel Board site or the MDOC employment application

Source:[mdoc.ms.gov]

Academy

Length not published, paid. MDOC lists 'Paid on-the-Job Training'. No current official page gives the academy length.[mdoc.ms.gov]

Pension and retirement

• Plan: Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS), Hybrid Retirement Plan (Tier 5)
• Benefit formula: Defined benefit: 1.00% x years of creditable service x average compensation (highest four fiscal or calendar years, or final 48 months), plus a 401(a) defined contribution account
• When you can retire: 30 years of service at any age, or age 62 with 8 years of membership service; reduced for each year under 30 years of service or under age 65, whichever is less
• Social Security: yes, you also pay in

Mandatory for everyone who joins PERS on or after March 1, 2026 (created by 2025 House Bill 1). Members pay 4% to the DB part and 5% to the DC part (9% total); employers may elect to add to the DC part. DC account is vested immediately.

Source:[pers.ms.gov]