How to become a corrections officer in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Corrections hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer I. New officers start at $43,056 a year. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $43,056 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | — |
Source:[mocareers.mo.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: None listed
- Pass a background investigation by the Missouri DOC
- Complete Defensive Tactics and Standard First Aid/CPR during Basic Training
- By assignment: firearms certification and a valid driver's license
Source:[doc.mo.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply on MO Careers (mocareers.mo.gov) for a facility posting
- Background investigation
- Basic Training (paid pre-service training) incl. defensive tactics and first aid/CPR
- Peer-to-Peer training certification in first week (for new-hire stipend)
Source:[doc.mo.gov]
Academy
Length not published, paid. DOC lists 'Paid Pre-Service and In-Service Training'; length of Basic Training not stated on official pages found.[doc.mo.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS), MSEP 2011
- Benefit formula: Final Average Pay x 1.7% x credited service (monthly base benefit); FAP = highest 36 full consecutive months. Rule of 90 retirees also get a temporary benefit of FAP x 0.8% x service until age 62
- When you can retire: Age 67 with 5 years of credited service, or at least age 55 with age + service = 90 (Rule of 90); reduced early retirement at 62 with 5 years
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
Source:[mosers.org]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.