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How much do correctional guard jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional guard in the United States is $54,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Correctional Guard vs Prison Officer?

AspectCorrectional GuardPrison Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, security-focusedCorrectional facilities, security and supervision
Employer & IndustryPrison systems, detention centersPrison systems, detention centers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Correctional Guards and Prison Officers often perform similar roles in correctional facilities, focusing on security, supervision, and maintaining order. While the titles are sometimes used interchangeably, 'Prison Officer' may imply a broader scope of responsibilities, including inmate rehabilitation and administrative duties, depending on the jurisdiction. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related in the correctional industry.

What cities are hiring for Correctional Guard jobs?

Cities with the most Correctional Guard job openings:

What states have the most Correctional Guard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Correctional Guard jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Correctional Guard jobs?

For Correctional Guard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Correctional Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Guard job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,007 per year, or $26 per hour.

Correctional Officer 1 - Wilcox State Prison

Abbeville, GA • On-site

Georgia Department of Corrections
See more jobs at Georgia Department of Correctionsexternal

$45K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Enforces institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations to maintain order and security.

  • Escorts offenders during transit, temporary leaves, and within the facility, and responds to emergencies.

  • Patrols assigned areas, observes offender conduct, and reports any problems.

Georgia Department Of Corrections rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 43 rated prisons

Job description

Corrections Officer Job Summary:
Under supervision, maintains custody and security of prisoners and other incarcerated offenders and maintains order in correctional institutions and other places of detention. Enforces all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations. Enforce rules, regulations, and state laws necessary for control and management of offenders and the maintenance of public safety. Escorts offenders in transit and during temporary leaves. Guards’ facility entrances in order to screen visitors. Handles and trains canines for tracking, search and rescue, guard duty, detection of contraband. Inspects, inventories, maintains physical control of, logs keys, tools, weapons and related equipment. Maintains order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies and laws. Observes conduct and behavior of offenders to prevent disturbances and escapes. Oversee offenders during work assignments, meals, and recreation periods. Patrols assigned areas and report any problems. Prepares admission, program, releases, transfers and other reports. Responds to emergencies. Takes offenders in custody and escort to locations within and outside of the facility. Transports offenders to and from correctional facilities.
Starting salary is $45,806 per year, with a salary increase after 6 months and a promotion and another increase at the 12-month mark.
13 paid holidays per year, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, 401K/457 Plan, Vision Insurance, On the Job Training, Life Insurance.
 
Location Name: Wilcox State Prison.
Address1: 470 South Broad Street.
City: Abbeville.
Zipcode: 31001.
County: WILCOX COUNTY.
About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC):
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising approximately 47,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, please visit https://jobs.gdc.ga.gov.

Mission Statement:
To protect Georgians by operating secure facilities and providing opportunities for offender rehabilitation.

Qualifications - External:
  • High school diploma/GED and any combination of training and experience which would enable the applicant to meet the minimum standards of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).

 Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Enforces all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
  • Enforces rules, regulations, and state laws necessary for control and management of offenders and the maintenance of public safety.
  • Escorts offenders in transit and during temporary leaves.
  • Guards facility entrances in order to screen visitors.
  • Handles and trains canines for tracking, search and rescue, guard duty, detection of contraband.
  • Inspects, inventories, maintains physical control of, logs keys, tools, weapons and related equipment.
  • Maintains order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies and laws.
  • Observes conduct and behavior of offenders to prevent disturbances and escapes.
  • Oversees offenders during work assignments, meals, and recreation periods.
  • Patrols assigned areas and report any problems.
  • Prepares admission, program, releases, transfers and other reports.
  • Responds to emergencies.
  • Takes offenders in custody and escort to locations within and outside of the facility.
  • Transports offenders to and from correctional facilities.

 For immediate consideration, apply online at https://gdc.georgia.gov.
Use the “About GDC” drop down menu and select “Join our Team”.
If you have any questions or need an update regarding your application, please email:  applications.recruitment@gdc.ga.gov.

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