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Correctional Officers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Alamo, GA · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

They directly supervises Correctional Officers assigned to the shift. They also provide for the protection of each inmate/resident and the preservation of each inmate's/ resident's legal rights.

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Shelby, MT · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

They directly supervises Correctional Officers assigned to the shift. They also provide for the protection of each inmate/resident and the preservation of each inmate's/ resident's legal rights.

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Las Animas, CO

$40K - $52K/yr

They directly supervises Correctional Officers assigned to the shift. They also provide for the protection of each inmate/resident and the preservation of each inmate's/ resident's legal rights.

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Lake City, FL · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

They directly supervises Correctional Officers assigned to the shift. They also provide for the protection of each inmate/resident and the preservation of each inmate's/ resident's legal rights.

Champaign County

Correctional Officer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$51K/yr

Correctional officers are required to be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment and have no felony or certain misdemeanor convictions (a full list of the disqualifying misdemeanor ...

State of Maryland

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I

Frederick, MD · On-site

$53K/yr

Hiring Incentive Newly hired Correctional Officers will receive a $5,000 incentive - $2,000 after successfully completing their training at a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Academy and $3 ...

State of Oklahoma

Correctional Officer

Shawnee, OK · On-site

$44K - $46K/yr

Correctional Officers are also assigned responsibilities involving routine duties as a first level trained security officer in the security, control and custody of inmates in a state adult ...

State of Oklahoma

Correctional Officer

Perry, OK · On-site

$44K - $46K/yr

Correctional Officers are also assigned responsibilities involving routine duties as a first level trained security officer in the security, control and custody of inmates in a state adult ...

State of Oklahoma

Correctional Officer

Lawton, OK · On-site

$44K - $46K/yr

Correctional Officers are also assigned responsibilities involving routine duties as a first level trained security officer in the security, control and custody of inmates in a state adult ...

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Correctional Officers information

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$29K

$54K

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How much do correctional officers jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional officers 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 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, solid knowledge of security procedures, and physical fitness, often supplemented by completion of a training academy. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident report software, and basic self-defense techniques is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and sound judgment are crucial for managing inmates and diffusing tense situations. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safety, maintaining order, and upholding institutional standards in correctional facilities.

What jobs can a correctional officer do?

Correctional officers primarily work in prisons or jails, supervising inmates and maintaining security. They can also transition into roles such as probation officers, parole officers, or security personnel, often requiring additional training or certification. These positions involve skills in conflict resolution, observation, and report writing.

Why do so many correctional officers quit?

Correctional officers often leave the job due to high stress, exposure to violence, and challenging working conditions. The demanding environment, irregular shifts, and emotional toll can contribute to burnout and job dissatisfaction, leading to high turnover rates.

What are some common challenges Correctional Officers face when working in correctional facilities?

Correctional Officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. They must remain vigilant and composed while enforcing rules and responding to conflicts or emergencies. Effective communication and teamwork with fellow officers and facility staff are essential, as is the ability to adapt to a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable work environment. These challenges are balanced by comprehensive training, support from colleagues, and opportunities for career advancement within the corrections system.

Is it easy to get hired in corrections?

Getting hired as a correctional officer can be competitive and typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs. Candidates with prior law enforcement or security experience and good physical fitness often have better chances of employment.

What is the highest pay for a correctional officer?

The highest pay for correctional officers varies by location and experience, with some earning over $70,000 annually in high-paying states or facilities. Advanced certifications, supervisory roles, and working in specialized or high-security institutions can increase earning potential.

What are Correctional Officers?

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 and security within correctional facilities, supervising inmate activities, and enforcing rules and regulations. They also perform inspections, conduct searches for contraband, and respond to emergencies. Correctional Officers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff while supporting rehabilitation efforts. The job can be challenging, requiring strong communication, observation, and conflict resolution skills.

What is the difference between Correctional Officers vs Police Officers?

AspectCorrectional OfficersPolice Officers
Work EnvironmentPrison or jail facilitiesPublic streets, neighborhoods, and crime scenes
Primary ResponsibilitiesSupervise inmates, maintain security inside correctional facilitiesEnforce laws, respond to emergencies, patrol communities
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Employer & Industry UsageCorrectional institutions, detention centersLaw enforcement agencies, police departments

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 enforce laws outside. Their training, responsibilities, and work settings differ, making each role unique within the criminal justice system.

More about Correctional Officers jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional Officers jobs? Cities with the most Correctional Officers job openings:
What states have the most Correctional Officers jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional Officers jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Officers jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Officers jobs are:
Correctional Officers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Officers job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% 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.
Senior Correctional Officer

Senior Correctional Officer

CoreCivic

Alamo, GA • On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

CoreCivic rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 41 rated prisons

Job description

25.56 per hour

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibilityto better the public good. We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact forthe people and communities we serve.

The Senior Correctional Officer assists in the supervision of the administrative and operational security activities in a correctional facility.  They directly supervises Correctional Officers assigned to the shift.  They also provide for the protection of each inmate/resident and the preservation of each inmate's/ resident's legal rights.

  • Provide general supervision of Correctional Officers and inmates/residents on the shift in the performance of their duties and evaluate as prescribed by the facility and corporate policy.
  • Conduct inspections of all housing and general use areas to ensure that proper standards, facility operating procedures and corporate guidelines of security, health, safety, sanitation and welfare are maintained; direct staff and inmate/resident resources to correct problems detected. 
  • Assist in supervising the internal and external security of the facility; routinely inspect posts to observe alertness of personnel and to confirm security is properly maintained at all times.

What CoreCivic employees say

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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

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