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Correction Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Please click here to learn more information about the Correctional Officer position. Applicants must be willing to work overtime, if necessary, and shifts as assigned, including nights, weekends, and ...

Correctional Officer I

Nevada City, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $79K/yr

As a Correctional Officer, you are an important part of the Sheriff's Office and have the critical responsibility of providing a safe and secure environment at a wide variety of locations and ...

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Under California Penal Code Section 831.5, the Correctional Officer I classification is defined as a public officer. Therefore, candidates must be able to meet all pre-employment as well as ongoing ...

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Correction Officer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$53.3K

$74K

How much do correction officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for correction officer in California is $53,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $59,200.00 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 California?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Correction Officer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Correction Officer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Correction Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,300 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Correctional Officer II - LATERAL ($15k Signing bonus)

County of Napa

Napa, CA โ€ข On-site

$99K - $119K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Napa Valley Internationally known for its fine wines, exciting restaurants and world-class resorts, is home to 140,000 residents who share a strong sense of community and a legacy of preserving and protecting our rich agricultural heritage. Located in the heart of California's preeminent wine region, the Napa Valley is also part of the dynamic San Francisco Bay Metropolitan Area. With its sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the mountains and ocean, the Valley offers residents easy access to virtually unlimited shopping, dining, cultural and recreational opportunities.

The Napa Valley's strategic location, natural and cultural resources, history of responsible land use planning and attractive quality of life provide the ideal mix of small town living and big city amenities. Napa County as an Employer As an organization, the County is dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and reflecting the best of the community's values: Respect, Accountability, Dedication, Integrity and Innovation. LEARN MORE HERE.

The Position This is a LATERAL RECRUITMENT for the Correctional II classification at Napa County. Only those who meet the LATERAL Correction Officer II requirements are eligible to be considered for this recruitment. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, limited-term, and extra help vacancies for up to one year.

Applicants for this LATERAL recruitment will be required to meet the following criteria: Be an ACTIVE Correctional Officer in the State of California. Achieved a passing score on the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Adult Corrections Officer written examination. Completed the California BSCC's Adult Corrections Officer Core Course.

Completed the California BSCC's Adult Corrections Officer Supplemental Core Course (also referred to as the 832 Penal Code Course). Under California Code of Regulations Title 15, gender is a bona fide occupational qualification for the position of Correctional Officer. About Napa County Department of Corrections & Position: The Napa County Department of Corrections (NCDC) is dedicated to providing professional correctional services to the citizens of Napa County.

The Napa County Department of Corrections has jurisdiction over the Napa County Jail facility; it does not operate under the authority of the Napa County Sheriff's Office. The facility houses both pre-sentenced and sentenced incarcerated persons, and is responsible for the coordination of all programs and services related to the institutional care, treatment and rehabilitation, including: Classification Diagnosis Intake screening Programs that deal with sentencing alternatives The Correctional Officer II is the fully qualified working level in the Correctional Officer series. Incumbents are expected to work independently using judgment and initiative within established department guidelines and procedures.

Learn more about the Napa County Department of Corrections HERE. Pay & Benefits: Hourly Rate: $48.07 (Step 1) - $57.31 (Step 5) Annual Salary: $99,885.60 (Step 1) - $119,204.80 (Step 5) Correctional Officers also receive a 5% Detention Services Premium Public Service Employee Unit Benefits Summary Additionally, newly hired Correctional Officers may also qualify for*: Signing Bonus of $15,000 Vacation Leave Bank of 80 hours upon successful completion of the probationary period (transfers from other agencies only) Student Loan Forgiveness * Conditions apply based on a version of the Hiring and Promotional Incentive Pilot Program Policy in effect on the hire date. Position Requirements for Correctional Officer II: The County jail is a 24/7/365 operation

Persons employed in this class must be willing to work odd irregular and/or rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends. Mandated Standards and Training for Corrections program requirements must be completed before permanent status may be granted. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

To qualify for Correctional Officer II classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities. A desirable combination is: Experience: One year of corrections experience in a detention setting. Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

(Equivalent to two years of college with course work in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, corrections, and/or behavioral sciences is highly desired. Recruitment & Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the current vacancies are filled. Those who meet the position requirements as a Correctional Officer II (LATERAL) will be invited to the oral examination (panel interview).

Interviews will be scheduled on a continuous basis until the current vacancies are filled. Those who pass the oral examination (panel interview) will be placed on the Correctional Officer II - LATERAL eligibility list and will be referred to the hiring department for further consideration. Lateral candidates selected to continue in the hiring process will be required to successfully pass an extensive background investigation, a psychological evaluation, a polygraph test, a pre-employment medical physical, and a Live Scan.

Human Resources reserves the right to make changes to the recruitment process and schedule at any time. Example of Duties Review the full job description for this classification below: Correctional Officer II DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: Napa County employees automatically become Disaster Service Workers. This means that when Napa County experiences emergencies (earthquake, wildfire, power outage, etc.) you may be asked to pivot from your regular duties to provide critical services to those affected by the emergency (CA Govt Code 3102)

ADA ACCOMMODATION: Applicants requiring accommodation during the application and/or selection process pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the County of Napa Human Resources at (707) 253-4303. Napa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.