ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Correction Officer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Clifton, TN

$37K - $48K/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 ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Hartsville, TN

$46K - $61K/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 ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Hartsville, TN · On-site

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Hartsville, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Carthage, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Gallatin, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Castalian Springs, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Lebanon, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Lebanon, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Bethpage, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Lafayette, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Clifton, TN · On-site

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Core Civic

Correctional Officer

Westmoreland, TN

$24.62/hr

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 ...

Bedford County, Tennessee

Corrections Officer

Shelbyville, TN · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Applications for Correctional Officer are currently being accepted. Interested candidates should submit an online application via the county website at www.bedfordcountytn.gov or forward their resume ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer - Hardeman

Whiteville, TN

$41K - $53K/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 ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer - Hardeman

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$23.87/hr

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 ...

Bedford County Government

Corrections Officer

Shelbyville, TN · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Applications for Correctional Officer are currently being accepted. Interested candidates should submit an online application via the county website at www.bedfordcountytn.gov or forward their resume ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCorrection Officer JobsCorrection Officer Jobs in Tennessee

Correction Officer information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$49K

$68.1K

How much do correction officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for correction officer in Tennessee is $49,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $54,500.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Correction Officer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Correction Officer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Correction Officer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Correction Officer job openings:

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

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

Correction Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correction Officer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,018 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Correctional Officer

Clifton, TN

CoreCivic
Public Safety Administration • 10K+ employees

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 43 rated prisons

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Learn more about CoreCivicexternal

$37K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

24.62 per hour

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to better the public good.  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 matched 401K

         Paid time off and federal holidays

         Healthcare and wellness programs

         Paid Training and where applicable certifications
The Correctional Officer provides for the security, care and direct supervision of inmates/residents in housing units, at meals, during recreation, on work assignments and during all other phases of activity in a correctional facility.  You may have to employ weapons or force to maintain discipline and order.   Veterans are encouraged to apply.

        You are responsible for maintaining order and security of inmates in a correctional facility. 

        You must be able to work any shift, as you may be assigned to a variety of posts including, but not limited to, armory/key control, housing units, kitchen, medical, visitation, etc.

        CoreCivic recognizes your military service to qualify you for positions
requiring criminal justice experience. 

CoreCivic logo

About CoreCivic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At CoreCivic , we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

Industry

Public safety administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1983

View All CoreCivic Jobs

What CoreCivic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply