How to become a corrections officer in West Virginia
The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer 1. New officers start at $42,900 a year. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $42,900 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | — |
| Scale effective | 2026-04-08 |
2026 DCR hiring-event flyers: CO1 starting salary $42,900 ($20.62/hr) at most facilities (e.g., Lakin, Southwestern, South Central, Anthony, Pruntytown) and $47,900 ($23.02/hr) at Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Northern Regional. Built-in progression: CO2 starts $47,900-$52,900, CO3 $50,900-$55,900 depending on facility. $2,000 retention incentive after one year. Pay range maximum not published.
Source:[dcr.wv.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Pass criminal background check
- Pass drug screening
- Valid driver's license
- Bring Social Security card, birth certificate, diploma, DD214/college transcripts if applicable
Source:[dcr.wv.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply via WV DOP / contact DCR recruiter or attend hiring event
- Correctional Officer Exam (online psychological assessment) to be placed on hiring register
- Pre-agility exam and agility test
- Interview
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Corrections Academy (Glenville), 6 weeks residential, paid
Source:[dcr.wv.gov]
Academy
6 weeks, paid. 6 weeks at the agency's Corrections Academy; meals, lodging and transportation provided plus hourly wages while attending.[dcr.wv.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: West Virginia Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - Tier 2 (first member on/after July 1, 2015)
- Benefit formula: 2% of final average salary x years of credited service (W. Va. Code 5-10-22)
Source:[code.wvlegislature.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.