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Correction Lieutenant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Correction Lieutenant information

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$37K

$66.9K

$107.5K

How much do correction lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for correction lieutenant in the United States is $66,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $66,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Correction Lieutenant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correction Lieutenant, you need strong leadership abilities, in-depth knowledge of correctional policies, and prior correctional experience, often supported by relevant certifications or law enforcement training. Familiarity with incident reporting systems, security technology, and facility management software is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, conflict resolution, and communication skills help you effectively manage staff and handle emergencies. These competencies ensure the safety, order, and efficient operation of correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Correction Lieutenant vs Correction Sergeant?

AspectCorrection LieutenantCorrection Sergeant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles may prefer college coursework or certificationsHigh school diploma or GED; some certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentSupervises correctional officers and staff; administrative duties; security oversightSupervises correctional officers; enforces rules; maintains security within facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in correctional facilities, prisons, jailsCommonly used in similar correctional settings, often as a step below Lieutenant

Correction Lieutenants typically have more administrative responsibilities and oversee larger teams, while Correction Sergeants focus on direct supervision of officers and daily operations. Both roles require similar credentials, but Lieutenants often have additional leadership duties and may require more experience or certifications.

What is the highest pay for a correctional officer?

The highest pay for a correction lieutenant, a supervisory role in correctional facilities, can exceed $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. Senior officers with specialized skills or in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

Do correction officers carry a gun?

Correction officers, including correction lieutenants, typically carry firearms while on duty to ensure security and respond to emergencies within correctional facilities. They are trained in firearm use and safety, and carrying a gun is often a requirement of their role. Proper licensing and adherence to protocols are essential components of their responsibilities.

What are the typical challenges Correction Lieutenants face when managing both staff and inmates, and how can they effectively address them?

Correction Lieutenants often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with direct supervision, addressing staff conflicts, and ensuring the safety and security of both personnel and inmates. They must remain vigilant, adaptable, and skilled in conflict resolution, as unexpected incidents or emergencies can arise. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and consistent enforcement of policies help Correction Lieutenants lead their teams more effectively and maintain a safe environment within the facility.

What does a lieutenant in corrections do?

A correction lieutenant oversees daily operations within a correctional facility, supervising staff, ensuring safety and security, and enforcing rules and procedures. They often handle inmate management, coordinate staff schedules, and may be involved in disciplinary actions and incident investigations.

What are Correction Lieutenants?

Correction Lieutenants are supervisory officers in correctional facilities, such as prisons or jails. They oversee correctional staff, enforce facility policies, and ensure the safety and security of inmates and personnel. Correction Lieutenants are responsible for managing daily operations, responding to emergencies, and conducting inspections or investigations as needed. They also play a key role in training staff and implementing disciplinary procedures. This position typically requires prior experience in corrections and strong leadership skills.

Can you make 6 figures as a corrections officer?

Correction lieutenants typically earn salaries that can reach six figures with experience, overtime, and additional responsibilities. Advancement to supervisory roles, specialized units, or working in high-cost areas can increase earning potential significantly.
More about Correction Lieutenant jobs
What states have the most Correction Lieutenant jobs? States with the most job openings for Correction Lieutenant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Correction Lieutenant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 28% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,856 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Corrections Lieutenant (RCMC)

State of South Dakota

Rapid City, SD • On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


State Of South Dakota rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 35791
Agency: Department of Corrections - Rapid City Minimum Center
Location: Rapid City, SD
Salary: $30.00 to $33.00 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GI
Closing Date: Open until filled
This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit https://doc.sd.gov/.
The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3Hwg99jTg&t=9s.
This position enforces Department of Corrections policies and correctional institution implementation adjustments (IA's) and procedures by scheduling and supervising correctional personnel and controlling and monitoring inmate activities to maintain security and safety for offenders and employees.
Corrections Lieutenants supervise an assigned area of a correctional institution, and the correctional personnel and offender assigned to that area. This position makes determinations on immediate disciplinary actions on offenders for policy, operational post orders, and procedure infractions affecting the security of the institution and serves as institution's ranking officer on night shift and on weekends.
Conditions of Employment:
  • successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics and firearms/armed transport curriculum;
  • possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;
    • lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
    • stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
    • use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
    • withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
    • rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
    • get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
  • will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
  • must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
  • seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
  • demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
  • must be able to work 12 hour rotating shifts to include holidays and weekends;
  • work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
  • deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
  • work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
  • communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
  • work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
  • willing and able to travel;
  • willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
  • TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Three (3) years of progressively responsible corrections experience working directly with offenders to include at least one (1) year in a supervisory role (Sergeant or higher) supervising correctional staff.
- OR -
A combination of education (Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or similarly related field) and experience as defined above equal to three (3) years.
Corrections-related experience is defined as experience in which the employee provided a direct service to/with clients detained against their will such as custody/control, teaching, social work, nursing, food service, and general maintenance; or supervised offenders in the implementation of a program such as correctional industries. This experience is not typically earned in clerical support programs.
NOTE: Entry level officers and clerical support experience does not have the authority outlined in the minimum qualifications to perform components of offender management as it relates to classification hearings, ICC, Multi-disciplinary staffing, vetting responses to offender grievances etc. Therefore, experience as an entry level officer and clerical support does not meet the definition of offender management as outlined in the minimum qualifications.
Knowledge of:
  • department of Correction's policies and institutional operations and procedures;
  • English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
  • the attitudes, problems, and behavior of incarcerated individuals;
  • the methods, procedures, and practices of controlling and supervising inmates confined to a correctional institution;
  • extensive knowledge in the use of physical force continuum and Use of Force Policy;
  • effective methods of supervision.

Ability to:
  • interpret and apply department policies and institutional post orders and procedures;
  • plan, assign, and direct the work of others;
  • promote teamwork;
  • be a positive role model to staff and offenders;
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with offenders, correctional personnel, subordinate employees, and representatives of public and private agencies;
  • effectively analyze situations, conduct investigations, and evaluate findings;
  • remain calm during stressful situations and respond to emergencies quickly;
  • maintain acceptable attendance while avoiding misuse of leave;
  • maintain confidential information;
  • operate and direct the employment of firearms, mechanical restraints and chemical agents and control the employment of such devices by subordinates.

Functions:
  • schedules correctional staff for all shifts to ensure the security of the facility and safety of employees and offenders;
  • enforces Department of Corrections policies and institution IA's and procedures;
  • determines appropriate action in emergency situations;
  • supervises subordinate staff to ensure the objectives of the work unit are met;
  • interviews staff;
  • provides training and work direction;
  • approves leave requests;
  • addresses staff problems and recommends disciplinary action;
  • conducts performance reviews and completes performance documents;
  • maintains security by inspecting all posts for appropriate staffing to ensure the safety of offenders and personnel;
  • reviews officers' reports on offenders and offender activities;
  • keeps a daily, detailed log of institutional activities;
  • authorizes and directs offender counts;
  • coordinates searches of inmate property for contraband;
  • arbitrates disputes among offender and staff;
  • initiates drills, exercises, and provides staff training;
  • responsible for the facility Point of Entry (POE) to ensure staff are appropriately processing all individuals through the metal detector and searching items coming into the facility for contraband;
  • determines appropriate action in security breakdown and emergency medical situations by evaluating the situation and informing facility managers to de-escalate potential hazards;
  • authorizes emergency procedures;
  • controls handling and immediate storage of contraband;
  • directs offender movement into and out of the facility to ensure compliance with operational procedures;
  • processes new inmates admitted to the facility;
  • receives personal property and maintains records of transactions;
  • authorizes and plans transportation of offenders;
  • verify offenders at the completion of their sentences for release/discharge;
  • may serve as Disciplinary Hearing Officer;
  • investigates situations involving offender violations to aid in disciplinary hearing process;
  • act as initial Commander in emergency situations;
  • may work with and cares for a K9 and a K9 vehicle; searches offender living areas as needed for contraband; prepares reports of findings;
  • participates in administrative tasks to support efficient management of the facility;
  • informs subordinates of changes in policies, operational procedures;
  • conducts rounds in all areas of the facility during shift and complete appropriate logs;
  • conducts daily shift briefings;
  • performs other work as assigned.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3Y0
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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