How to become a corrections officer in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Correction hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer 1. New officers start at $51,204 a year, rising to $60,720 after about 1.5 years. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $51,204 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $60,720 |
| Years to top | 1.5 |
| Scale effective | 2025-02-16 |
TDOC: entry salary $51,204/yr with tiered increases to $60,720 after 18 months; $5,000 sign-on bonus paid over 18 months. $60,720 is the end of the published tiered hiring progression, not the classification range maximum (official range max not located). Increases took effect Feb 16, 2025 per TDOC releases.
Source:[tn.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Must be able to work nights (TDOC interest form)
- Bring state-issued ID, proof of education, DD214 if applicable
Source:[tn.gov]
Hiring process
- Online application at tn.gov/careers (or paper application + supplemental questionnaire)
- Interview
- Pre-employment requirements
- Conditional job offer
- Basic Correctional Officer Training
Source:[tn.gov]
Academy
6 weeks, paid. Six weeks of paid Basic Correctional Officer Training at the Tennessee Correction Academy (Tullahoma), with hands-on instruction in a facility and classroom.[tn.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) - Hybrid Retirement Plan for State Employees and Teachers
- Benefit formula: 1.00% accrual factor x average final compensation (highest 5 consecutive years) x years of creditable service, plus 401(k) (employer 5%, member 2% default)
- When you can retire: Vested after 5 years; unreduced benefit at age 65 or Rule of 90 (age + service >= 90)
Applies to general state employees hired on or after July 1, 2014 (mandatory). TCRS contributions: employer 4%, member 5%. No separate CO/public-safety tier found.
Source:[treasury.tn.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.