Missouri lawmakers urge higher pay for prison guards

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Missouri correctional officers could see an increase in their pay under a proposal before a House panel.

Republican Paul Fitzwater, of Potosi, is sponsoring legislation that would make a minimum salary for prison guards a part of state law. His bill was to be heard Wednesday by a committee.

Fitzwater’s measure would set the minimum annual pay for a Level 1 prison guard at $33,750. A job listing on the Office of Administration website shows that a Level 1 prison guard would currently earn at least $26,784.

Fitzwater’s bill could tie the salaries of correctional officers to those of Highway Patrol officers. It would also set minimum salaries for more experienced prison guards and supervisors.

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Prison guard salaries is HB371.

Online:

Legislature: http://moga.mo.gov