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$34.5K

$74.4K

$141K

How much do correction officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for correction officer trainee in the United States is $74,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Correction Officer Trainees during their initial training period?

Correction Officer Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to a highly structured and secure environment, learning to manage stressful or confrontational situations, and balancing strict adherence to protocols with the need for sound judgment. Trainees must quickly develop skills in communication, observation, and conflict de-escalation while undergoing both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Building resilience and maintaining professionalism under pressure are crucial during this period, as trainees transition into responsible and safety-focused roles within a correctional facility.

What is a Correction Officer Trainee?

A Correction Officer Trainee is an entry-level position in the corrections field, responsible for overseeing inmates in jails, prisons, or other correctional facilities. Trainees undergo a period of training and probation where they learn the rules, procedures, and skills necessary to maintain safety and security within the facility. Duties include supervising inmate activities, conducting searches, enforcing regulations, and responding to incidents. This role is designed to prepare individuals for advancement to full Correction Officer status upon successful completion of the training period.

What is the difference between Correction Officer Trainee vs Correction Officer?

AspectCorrection Officer TraineeCorrection Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic trainingSame as trainee, plus completion of training program
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervisedFull-duty correctional facility
Job StatusTraining position, probationaryFull employee status

The Correction Officer Trainee is a probationary role where individuals undergo training and supervision, while the Correction Officer is a fully qualified staff member responsible for inmate supervision and security. The trainee stage prepares candidates for the responsibilities of a correction officer, with similar credentials and work environments.

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

To thrive as a Correction Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of security procedures and regulations. Familiarity with security surveillance systems, incident reporting tools, and basic first aid certifications is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and effective communication are crucial for managing inmate interactions and maintaining order. These abilities are essential to ensure the safety, security, and smooth operation of correctional facilities.
More about Correction Officer Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Correction Officer Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Correction Officer Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correction Officer jobs? The most popular types of Correction Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Correction Officer Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Correction Officer Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Correction Officer Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correction Officer Trainee jobs are:
Correction Officer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correction Officer Trainee job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,434 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
DOC Pontiac CC Correctional Officer Trainee

DOC Pontiac CC Correctional Officer Trainee

State of Illinois

Pontiac, IL

$4K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

State Of Illinois rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 52529 
Closing Date: 06/30/2026 11:59 p.m.
​Agency: Department of Corrections - Pontiac Correctional Center
Class Title: CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINEE - 09676 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $4848; CBA Applies; Full Range $4651 - $6217
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Livingston
Number of Vacancies: 100
Bargaining Unit Code: RC006 Corrections Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the Illinois Department of Corrections Website: Become a Correctional Officer

 

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

The Correctional Officer Trainee position, for a period not to exceed three months, will receive formalized and on-the-job training in security and custodial duties for IDOC. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to be physically fit at the level required at screening prior to arrival at the Training Academy. Upon successful completion of Pre-service Security Training, IDOC cadets will participate in a formal ceremony at the academy and cadets are awarded certificates and badges and sworn to the Oath of Office.
 

DOC employs Correctional Officer Trainees at each of its 26 Correctional Centers across the state. Positions will be filled at different times for each of the following facilities:

Big Muddy River - Jefferson County

Centralia - Clinton County

Danville - Vermillion County

Decatur - Macon County

Dixon - Lee County

East Moline - Rock Island County

Graham - Montgomery County

Hill - Knox County

Illinois River - Fulton County

Jacksonville - Morgan County

Kewanee - Henry County

Lawrence - Lawrence County

Lincoln - Logan County

Logan - Logan County

Menard - Randolph County

Pinckneyville - Perry County

Pontiac - Livingston County

Robinson - Crawford County

Shawnee - Johnson County

Sheridan - LaSalle County

Southwestern IL - St Clair County

Stateville - Will County

Taylorville - Christian County

Vandalia - Fayette County

Vienna - Johnson County

Western - Brown County

For more information about the training process to become a correctional officer, visit Training Academy - About (illinois.gov)  on the Department’s website.

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions
  1. Receives eight weeks of formalized pre-service security training at the Illinois Corrections Training Academy including firearms training due to requirements mandating qualification.
  2. Receives on-the-job training under immediate supervision of a qualified correctional employee. A
    1. Assigned each work week to another correctional employee to assist in running lines, yard, dining room, housing units, facility buildings, writs, observing individuals in custody, perimeter patrol, armory, counting, shakedowns, movement, etc.
    2. Travels by using a state issued vehicle to complete assignments.
  3. Receives one week orientation at facility.
    1. Given formal training in housing unit work, report writing, out-count work, yard work, running lines, individuals in custody at this institution and their assignments, chain-of-command, security buildings, disciplinary procedures, and any other training deemed necessary.
  4. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  1. Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of high school.
  2. Requires elementary knowledge of resident behavior problems.
Conditions of Employment
  1. Requires completion of a pre-service security training course during trainee period.
  2. Requires successful completion of a firearms training course and learn the proper use of firearms during trainee period.
  3. Requires a valid appropriate driver’s license and the ability to travel statewide.
  4. Must be eligible under federal and state law to acquire and possess a firearm and must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card.
  5. Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
  6. Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
  7. Requires ability to pass a drug screen.  The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of the position held, is prohibited.
  8. Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.; shift and days off will vary
Headquarter Location: 700 W Lincoln St, Pontiac, Illinois, 61764
Work County: Livingston
Agency Contact: Mitzi Minton
Email: Mitzi.Minton@illinois.gov 
Posting Group: Public Safety

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion.  This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

As an IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

Health, Life, Vision and Dental Insurance

12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave

Pension Plan - Vesting at 10 years for Tier II

Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement

Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs

Paid state holidays: 13 - 14 day annually

3 paid Personal Business days annually

12 paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over year to year)

10 - 25 Paid Vacation days annually (10 days beginning at year 1 employment)

Personal, Sick and Vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules (As applicable)

Employee Assistance Program and/or Mental Health resources

For more information about our benefits, please follow this link:  Benefits Information

What State Of Illinois employees say

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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

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