MDOC Ramps up Recruiting with Salary Increase for Officers

As of July 1, correctional officers and case managers at Mississippi Department of Corrections are seeing a 10% percent increase in their salaries.

“One of MDOC’s top priorities is offering quality candidates real opportunities to move up fast in both careers and pay scales,” Commissioner Burl Cain said. “This substantial salary increase will help us attract people who will really invest back into our vision and goal for what MDOC will become. This is the first step of many in ramping up our recruiting efforts.”

The base salary for a corporal officer now starts at just over $36,000; for a sergeant it is over $40,000; for a captain it’s over $42,000; and for a major it starts over $47,000. In addition, benefits packages can range from about $17,000 to over $20,000 each year. MDOC has put a heavy focus on recruiting and training as the department continues to make improvements.

The new salary increase comes on the heels of other increases at MDOC since January 1, 2022.

“We’ve worked nonstop for over two years to get these increases approved,” noted Commissioner Cain, “and now we have them to the benefit of our workforce and to the public at large because as we hire and train more officers, our prisons become safer. We are focused on creating a positive work culture where honest, hardworking people want to come and be a part of a new MDOC focusing on constant improvements. Good employees are the foundation of a positive environment for everyone.”

MDOC is hiring for several positions, each with different education and experience requirements. In addition to the new salaries, a retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance are available for full-time employees. Paid on-the-job training, vacation, and sick leave also are among the benefits. Interested candidates should email [email protected] to learn more.