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Correctional Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Americus, GA

Correctional Officer

Americus, GA · On-site

$35K/yr

Continuous Description Correctional Officer The City of Americus is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Correctional Officer . The beginning salary for this position is $35095.76 ...

State of Iowa

Correctional Officer

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Correctional Officer - State of Iowa Department of Corrections Are you ready for more than just a job. How about a career that challenges you, shapes lives, and contributes to the safety and security ...

Go McPherson

Correctional Officer

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

$21.40/hr

Correctional Officer at McPherson County Law Enforcement Center: The McPherson County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Full-time Correctional Officer. County Benefits Package included. Requirements ...

State of Wisconsin

Correctional Officer

Green Bay, WI · On-site +1

$35.37/hr

The Correctional Officer communicates institution information and concerns, maintains record keeping systems, and maintains professional interactions with staff, residents, and the public. The ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Clifton, TN · On-site

$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

Nicholls, GA · On-site

$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 ...

Go McPherson

Correctional Officer

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

$21.40/hr

Correctional Officer at McPherson County Law Enforcement Center: The McPherson County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Full-time Correctional Officer. County Benefits Package included. Requirements ...

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Olney Springs, CO · On-site

$43K - $56K/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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Correctional Officer information

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$29K

$54K

$75K

How much do correctional officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional officer 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.

How hard is it to get hired as a correctional officer?

Getting hired as a correctional officer typically requires passing a background check, completing a training academy, and meeting age and physical fitness requirements. Competition can be high, and candidates often need to demonstrate good judgment, communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

What challenges do correctional officers face and how are they managed?

Correctional officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety in high-stress environments, managing confrontational situations, and ensuring compliance with facility rules. They address these by relying on thorough training in de-escalation techniques, clear communication, and teamwork with other officers and staff. Regular briefings, support from supervisors, and adherence to strict protocols help officers manage incidents effectively and maintain a secure environment for everyone in the facility.

What is a correctional officer?

Correctional 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 order, enforcing rules, preventing disturbances, and ensuring the safety and security of inmates and staff within correctional facilities. They also inspect facilities for security breaches, conduct searches, and respond to emergencies as needed. Correctional Officers play a crucial role in supporting the rehabilitation and safe reintegration of inmates into society.

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

To thrive as a Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of criminal justice protocols. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is often required, along with completion of relevant training programs. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set exceptional officers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, order, and effective communication within correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Correctional Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectCorrectional OfficerPolice Officer
Work EnvironmentPrison or jail facilitiesPublic streets, neighborhoods, and crime scenes
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some states require correctional officer trainingHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training
Employer & IndustryCorrectional facilities, state and federal prisonsLaw enforcement agencies, city or county police departments
Job FocusSupervising inmates, maintaining security within correctional facilitiesPreventing and investigating crimes, enforcing laws in the community

Correctional Officers and Police Officers both serve in law enforcement but work in different environments. Correctional Officers focus on supervising inmates within correctional facilities, while Police Officers patrol communities and respond to incidents. Although their roles differ, they often require similar credentials and training, making them common points of comparison for those interested in law enforcement careers.

What does a correctional officer do?

Correctional officers mainly work in prisons. Their duties include processing new prisoners, ensuring the security of the facility, and keeping the incidents of violence among inmates under control. They also conduct periodic searches for weapons and contraband.

Why do so many people quit correctional officers?

Many correctional officers quit due to the high-stress environment, exposure to violence, and demanding shift schedules that can lead to burnout. The job requires strong emotional resilience and often involves safety risks, which contribute to high turnover rates in the profession.
More about Correctional Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional Officer jobs? Cities with the most Correctional Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Officer jobs? The most popular types of Correctional Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Correctional Officer jobs? The top employers for Correctional Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Correctional Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Officer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Correctional Officer jobs? For Correctional Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Correctional Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,007 per year, or $26 per hour.

Correctional Officer

City of Americus, GA

Americus, GA • On-site

$35K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary : $35,095.75 Annually
Location : Americus
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300010
Department: Public Works
Division: Grounds & Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/27/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Correctional Officer
The City of Americus is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Correctional Officer.
The beginning salary for this position is $35095.76 annually ($16.87/hour).
Examples of Duties
Responsibilities of this position are to supervise, direct and guard inmates on assigned work details; monitors activities and behavior of inmates on a continual basis, drives van with trailer to transport inmates to/from work sites or correctional facility, evaluates safety and security of work area, maintains inmate discipline; enforces established correctional institution rules and regulations; assists in restraining violent/unruly inmates; conducts regular headcounts of inmates; searches inmates, vehicles and grounds as needed to locate/remove contraband or weapons; ensures separation of inmates from the public; prevents escape of inmates while on work detail; operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work details, and receives or prepares various forms, reports, work orders or correspondence in communication with supervisors employees, other departments, law enforcement personnel, correctional institute and/ or the public.
Typical Qualifications
Requirements include High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by completion of basic correctional officer training program; supplemented by five (5) months previous experience and/ or training involving corrections, law enforcement, or security work. Required qualifications may be any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain valid Georgia Peace Officer's Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Correctional Officer certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
PROOF OF REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF APPLYING.
We pride ourselves on providing competitive pay and an excellent benefits package that includes; Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Retirement Options, Wellness Programs, 11 Paid Holidays, 3 Personal Days, Birthday Leave, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Vacation Leave, and much more, while also ensuring that we remain compliant with the City Personnel policies and procedures and Local, State, and Federal regulations.

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