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Correction Officer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Corrections Officer I

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$26.97/hr

L1 Pay Range Starting: $26.97 Per Hour Please note, this is an open and continuous recruitment The Correction Officer I performs corrections work ensuring the welfare of adult inmates, court or ...

Senior Correctional Officer

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

Senior Correctional Officer

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

Corrections Officer

Sells, AZ ยท On-site

$23.43 - $25.23/hr

Under general supervision, performs correction officer duties and duties associated in the development of supervisory skills and techniques in the security, custody and control of inmates in ...

Corrections Officer

Sells, AZ ยท On-site

$23.43 - $25.23/hr

Under general supervision, performs correction officer duties and duties associated in the development of supervisory skills and techniques in the security, custody and control of inmates in ...

Senior Correctional Officer

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$27.41/hr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

Senior Correctional Officer

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$27.41/hr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

Correctional Officer - Saguaro

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

We are hiring immediately for a Correctional Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional, secure setting. As a CoreCivic employee, you can expect: Company ...

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Showing results 1-20

Correction Officer information

See Arizona salary details

$27K

$50.3K

$69.9K

How much do correction officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for correction officer in Arizona is $50,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $55,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a correction officer?

Correction Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Their primary duties include maintaining security and order within correctional facilities, supervising inmate activities, and ensuring the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors. Correction Officers also enforce rules, conduct searches for contraband, and respond to emergencies. They play a critical role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated individuals. The job often requires strong communication, observation skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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

To thrive as a Correction Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong observational skills, and training in law enforcement or corrections procedures. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and incident reporting software is typically required. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and resilience under pressure are valued soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, managing inmate behavior, and ensuring a secure correctional environment.

What are some common challenges correction officers face in managing inmate behavior, and how are they typically addressed?

Correction Officers often encounter challenges such as defusing conflicts between inmates, preventing contraband smuggling, and responding to unpredictable situations. These challenges are typically addressed by following strict protocols, participating in regular training on de-escalation techniques, and working closely with fellow officers to maintain a safe environment. Teamwork, vigilance, and effective communication are essential skills that help Correction Officers manage these responsibilities and ensure the security of the facility.

What is the difference between Correction Officer vs Prison Guard?

AspectCorrection OfficerPrison Guard
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, training certificationHigh school diploma or GED, basic training
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilitiesPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryState and federal correctional agenciesState and federal correctional agencies
Job RoleSupervise inmates, enforce rules, maintain securitySupervise inmates, enforce rules, maintain security

Correction Officers and Prison Guards often perform similar duties within correctional facilities, supervising inmates and ensuring security. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, and both roles require comparable credentials and work environments. The main difference is often regional terminology, with 'Correction Officer' being more formal and widely used in official contexts.

Is it hard to become a correction officer?

Becoming a correction officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing a background check, and completing training at a correctional academy. The process can be competitive and may involve physical fitness tests and written exams, depending on the jurisdiction. Success often depends on meeting these standards and demonstrating good conduct and communication skills.

Why do so many correction officers quit?

Correction officers often leave the job due to high stress, exposure to violence, and demanding schedules that can lead to burnout. The physically and emotionally challenging environment, along with limited advancement opportunities, also contributes to high turnover rates in the profession.

What are the most commonly searched types of Correction Officer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Correction Officer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Correction Officer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Correction Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Correction Officer jobs in AZ?

For Correction Officer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Correction Officer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,329 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Corrections Officer I

Pimacounty

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$26.97/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - Sheriff's DepartmentJob Description

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 4000 - Corrections Officer I

Salary Grade: L1

Pay Range

Starting: $26.97 Per Hour

Please note, this is an open and continuous recruitment

The Correction Officer I performs corrections work ensuring the welfare of adult inmates, court or direct remanded juvenile inmates, departmental and superior court staff, and maintaining security control and custody in a functional unit of a direct supervision jail.* This is distinguished from the Deputy Sheriff classification, which is certified to exercise law enforcement powers.

*In a direct supervision jail, corrections staff controls behavior of the jail population through a proactive concept based on direct inmate supervision. In this setting, inmates are given the responsibility to influence their treatment and privileges through control of their own behavior. This direct supervision approach is unlike the more traditional reactive containment approach, which utilizes bars, security glass and other barriers.

This division operates 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.All positions are required to engage in inmate contact, to work rotating shifts which include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and to work an assigned post that can be rotated/reassigned at management's discretion.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Maintains security of assigned facility by observing and controlling inmate behaviors, enforcing discipline, and reporting observations;

  • Inspects the living conditions within the housing units for compliance with sanitation objectives;

  • Conducts checks of inmate housing and cell searches for inmate census and detection of contraband;.

  • Controls, operates, and inspects life safety equipment, electronic safety and surveillance equipment, and door control systems;

  • Performs booking, fingerprinting, identification and records maintenance procedures.

  • Reviews all incident numbers, logs those that are major rule violations, and prints out major charge sheet;.

  • Reviews all officer incident reports, evidence, and major charge sheets to ensuring violations are clearly identified, follows all protocols, and verifies that reports have been completed correctly;

  • Conducts inmate hearings within a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

At the time of appointment, applicants must hold a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate, AND must be at least 18 years of age.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Additional Information:THIS IS A TESTED POSITION.Email notifications will be sent out to all candidates that submit a completed application. Candidates will receive an information packet detailing the steps of the hiring process. Please see important dates below:
Physical Fitness Assessments(dates/times subject to change).

Physical Fitness Assessments

Saturday, October 17, 2026 - Start at 8:00am

Saturday, December 5, 2026 - Start at 8:00am

MonthlyOral Board Interviews

The Sheriff's Department willscheduleeligible candidates who complete and pass the physical fitness assessment for oral board interviews.
MonthlyPolygraphs, Background Investigations, Psychological Test,Etc.

The Sheriff's Department will notify eligible candidates regarding dates, times, and locations.
Corrections Officer Training Academy

April 5, 2027 -Next Scheduled Academy

Academies are scheduled based on staffing levels and hiring needs.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver license is required at time of application.ValidAZdriver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record. Some positions may require possession of a valid Arizona commercial driver license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements(s) at the time of appointment or prior to completion of an initial/promotional probation period. Current first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification (American Red Cross or equivalent) must be acquired prior to completion of initial training and must also be maintained as a condition of employment. Certification to wear and maintain respirators and protective masks and related personal protective equipment and department approved and issued firearms and defensive weapons as required by the appointing authority. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure, certification or registration shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items:The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Department of Labor Regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccine, and personal protective training and equipment will be provided. All positions require satisfactory completion of a background investigation due to the need for access to law enforcement, corrections and courts facilities, property, communications and associated confidential information and documents, databases and evidentiary materials. Pre-/post-appointment drug screening and polygraph examinations are required of all positions due to the need for access as described above. All positions are required to engage in inmate contact, to work rotating shifts which includes days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, and to work an assigned post that can be rotated/reassigned at management's discretion. This position will require apost-job offer physicaland/or drug screen.This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening

Physical/Sensory Work Requirements: Constantly uses fine motor skills to operate firearms and other necessary equipment. Constantly required to speak and listen to communicate critical information. Constantly required to observe details at close range and at a distance. Constantly operates a motor vehicle safely. Frequently required to walk/run varying distances in pursuit of suspects, over rough terrain and/or uneven ground. Frequently required to work in areas presenting obstacles. Constantly required to carry and/or lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds, such as firearms and protective equipment; frequently required to carry and/or lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds such as recovered property; occasionally required to carry and/or lift objects weighing 100 pounds or more, such as suspects and/or victims being moved to safety. Frequently required to push and/or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds, such as to move vehicles and other objects. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, on a radio, on a cell; Vision Activity - operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, depth perception, peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

Working Conditions: Frequently exposed to severe weather conditions. Frequently exposed to loud noises from firearms training, sirens, and other similar situations. Frequently required to work in areas presenting obstacles. Frequently exposed to dangerous traffic conditions.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.