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Correction Officer Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer 1

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Associate's degree in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, security, or a related field ... Security Officer within six months, Must successfully complete onboarding and Global Security ...

Security Officer 1

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Associate's degree in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, security, or a related field ... Security Officer within six months, Must successfully complete onboarding and Global Security ...

Correction Officer information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$29.5K

$54.9K

$76.2K

How much do correction officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for correction officer in Rochester, MN is $54,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,800.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Why do so many correctional officers quit?

Correction officers often leave the job due to high stress, safety concerns, and challenging work environments. The demanding nature of the role, irregular hours, and exposure to violence can contribute to burnout and job dissatisfaction, leading to high turnover rates.

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 easy to get hired as a correctional officer?

Getting hired as a correctional officer can be competitive and typically requires passing a background check, physical fitness test, and sometimes a written exam. Candidates often need to complete training at a correctional academy and meet age and education requirements, making the process somewhat rigorous but achievable with proper preparation.

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 Correction Officers?

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 is the highest paying job in corrections?

The highest paying positions in corrections are typically supervisory roles such as Corrections Director or Warden, which oversee prison operations and staff. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced education, and leadership skills, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level correction officer positions.

How can I be a correction officer?

To become a correction officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete a training academy that covers topics like security procedures and legal regulations. Some jurisdictions require passing written exams and physical fitness tests, and applicants must often be at least 18 or 21 years old. Relevant skills include good communication, decision-making, and the ability to handle stressful situations.
What are popular job titles related to Correction Officer jobs in Rochester, MN? For Correction Officer jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Correction Officer jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Correction Officer jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Correction Officer jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Correction Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Correction Officer job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,898 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Correctional Officer - Up to $49,056.00 Recruitment Incentive - Direct Hire

Correctional Officer - Up to $49,056.00 Recruitment Incentive - Direct Hire

Department of Justice

Rochester, MN โ€ข On-site

$51K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
GL-05: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
GL-06: Nine (9) semester hours or fourteen (14) quarter hours of graduate level education in a major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to this position.
GL-07: One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to the position is qualifying for GL-07.
GL-08: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
OR
Experience:
GL-05: At least 3 years of full-time general experience, one year of which was equivalent to the GL-04 grade level. This experience must have demonstrated the aptitude for acquiring the qualifications required for correctional work, and, in addition, demonstrate the possession of personal attributes important to the effectiveness of correctional officers, such as:

  • Ability to meet and deal with people of differing backgrounds and behavioral patterns.
  • Ability to be persuasive in selling and influencing ideas.
  • Ability to lead, supervise, and instruct others.
  • Sympathetic attitude towards the welfare of others.
  • Ability to reason soundly and to think out practical solutions to problems.
  • Ability to make decisions and act quickly, particularly under stress.
  • Poise and self-confidence, and ability to remain calm during emergency situations.

General experience may have been gained in work such as:

  • Social case work in a welfare agency or counseling in other types of organizations.
  • Classroom teaching or instructing.
  • Responsible rehabilitation work, e.g., in an alcoholic rehabilitation program.
  • Supervising planned recreational activities or active participation in community action programs.
  • Management or supervisory work in a business or other organization that included directing the work flow and/or direct supervision of others.
  • Sales work, other than taking and filling orders as in over-the-counter sales.

GL-06: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
Examples of occupations where specialized experience may have been gained:

  • Correctional Officer
  • Detention Officer
  • Police Officer
  • Border Patrol Agent
  • State Trooper
  • Sheriff
  • Park Ranger
  • Deputy Sheriff supervising inmates in a jail
  • Mental Health Counselor in a Residential Facility

Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience with instructing inmates with proper housekeeping and sanitation.
  • Experience working as a Police Officer responding to domestic disturbances and issuing citations for law violations.
  • Experience in investigating crime scenes as a State Trooper.
  • Experience as a Mental Health Worker in a Mental Health Lockdown facility.

GL-07: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
Examples of occupations where specialized experience may have been gained:

  • Correctional Officer
  • Jailer
  • Detention Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff supervising inmates in a jail.
  • Military Corrections (Brig, Internment/Resettlement Specialist, etc.

Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Providing supervision, care and security of inmates in a correctional environment.
  • Experience supervising inmates throughout the institution and providing instructions related to institutional procedures and sanitation.
  • Experience with enforcing rules and regulations governing correctional institution security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct.
  • Experience with conducting various count procedures of inmates.
  • Experience working various correctional posts, assignments (such as Control Room, Rear-gate, Housing Units, etc.).

GL-08: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Experience must have been gained in a correctional facility with responsibilities in correctional treatment, care, custody, and control of inmates.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience with assignments made to those areas requiring the maximum skill and expertise in dealing with inmates, the public, and the security of the institution.
  • Experience in supervising and instructing inmates regarding proper sanitation, personal hygiene and work habits.
  • Experience in maintaining the control and discipline of inmates in such areas as the auditorium, housing units, segregation, recreation areas, dining rooms, etc.
  • Experience in having responsibility for the custody and control of inmates who require special handling.

AND
Medical Requirement:
GL-05, GL-06, GL-07 and GL-08: The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions, and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER