ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Correctional Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Lecanto, FL · On-site

$18.92/hr

We are currently seeking a Correctional Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact ...

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

$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 ...

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

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGovernment JobsGovernment Services JobsCorrectional Officer Jobs

Correctional Officer information

See salary details

$29K

$54K

$75K

How much do correctional officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

Getting hired as a correctional officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training or certification programs. Job openings can be competitive, and candidates with prior law enforcement or security experience may have an advantage.

How long does it take to become a correctional officer?

Becoming a correctional officer typically requires completing a training academy, which in California usually lasts around 160 hours over several weeks. Candidates must also pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and sometimes written exams; the overall process from application to employment can take several months.

What are the requirements to be a correctional officer?

To become a correctional officer, applicants typically must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and drug screening, complete a training academy, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require additional certifications or physical fitness tests, and candidates must often pass a written exam and psychological evaluation.
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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,007 per year, or $26 per hour.

Correctional Officer

Lecanto, FL • On-site

CoreCivic
Public Safety Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about CoreCivicexternal

$18.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

CoreCivic rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 43 rated prisons

Job description

$18.92 per hour
Upon employment, training for non-certified correctionalofficers will be provided for the FDLE state certification. Existing FDLE certifiedcorrectional officers is a plus!
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 currently seeking a Correctional Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact for the people and communities we serve.
The Correctional Officer performs routine duties in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures to maintain order and provide 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. May employ weapons or force to maintain discipline and order.
  • Responsible for maintaining order and security of inmates in a correctional facility.
  • 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.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma, GED certification or equivalent required.
  • Once hired, must complete pre-service correctional officer training and, where applicable, be a non-commissioned security officer licensed by the state of employment.
  • Must be certified in the discipline of Corrections through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and in good standing.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Demonstrate the ability to complete any required training.
  • Must be available to work any hours, any shift.
  • Minimum age requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.

CoreCivic is a Drug-Free Workplace & EOE including Disability/Veteran.

What CoreCivic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

Apply