| A report says correctional officers in West Virginia employed by the Division of Corrections have the lowest entry-level salaries in the USA.
The officer turnover in 2014 was 37%, with facilities having a consistent problem with staffing, also causing an excessive use of overtime caused by the under-staffing.
The audit says other possible turnover factors include a stressful working environment, in addition to long shifts and over-time.
The Legislative Auditor's Office says the entry-level salary for correctional officers is $22,141.
Illinois has the highest entry-level salary, $45,103.
WV correctional officers earn about $16,400 less than their counterparts at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The report says correctional officers earning the entry-level salary would qualify for government assistance if they live in a single-income household with three or more people. | 
