1

Correctional Officers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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.

Senior Correctional Officer

Lake City, FL

$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.

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Correctional Officers information

See salary details

$29K

$54K

$75K

How much do correctional officers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 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.

Why do so many correctional officers quit?

Correctional officers often leave the job due to high stress, exposure to violence, and challenging work environments. The demanding nature of the role, irregular shifts, and emotional strain contribute to high turnover rates in the profession.

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.

What jobs can a correctional officer get?

Correctional officers can transition into related roles such as detention center supervisors, probation officers, or security managers, often requiring additional training or certifications. Skills in security, conflict resolution, and law enforcement are valuable for these positions, which may involve overseeing staff, managing inmate programs, or ensuring facility safety.

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.

What is the highest paid correctional officer?

The highest paid correctional officers typically work in states or facilities with higher pay scales, such as California, New York, or federal agencies. Federal correctional officers often earn higher salaries and benefits compared to state or local counterparts, with some earning over $80,000 annually depending on experience, location, and rank.

Is it hard to be hired as a correctional officer?

Becoming a correctional officer typically involves meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs. The hiring process can be competitive and may include written exams, physical fitness tests, and interviews, depending on the jurisdiction. Strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations are important for success in the role.
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:
Infographic showing various Correctional Officers job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% 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 SERGEANT - 70020288

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERGEANT - 70020288

State of Florida

Bristol, FL • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 879553
Agency: Department of Corrections
Working Title: CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERGEANT - 70020288
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 70020288
Salary: $51,846.08 (Minimum Annually)
Posting Closing Date: 07/22/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Facility: Liberty Correctional Institution
"Re-employed Correctional Officers in probationary status are encouraged to apply and may be considered for this advertisement. Probationary Correctional Officers who have been out the academy for at least six (6) months may also be considered."
This is an internal promotional opportunity only. Only current FDC employees will be considered.
Salary will be determined in accordance with current pay procedures.
Correctional Officer Sergeant vacancy located at:
Liberty Correctional Institution
Bristol, Florida (Liberty County)
Employees interested in this promotional opportunity must apply for this vacancy using the People First system. No paper applications will be accepted.
Applications will be accepted electronically until 11:59 pm ET on the closing date.
Applicants are responsible for providing the following information on their applicant profile: current employment, previous employment, training, and education.
Incomplete profiles will not be considered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age,
  • Be a citizen of the United States,
  • Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent,
  • Must have completed the basic recruit training course for correctional officers and have one year of experience as a certified officer with the State of Florida,
  • Must not have received a suspension within the past 12 months,
  • Must not have received an involuntary demotion within the past 24 months,
  • Must not have received less than a 3.00 rating on a performance evaluation within the past 3 fiscal years.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This Correctional Officer Sergeant position is located at Liberty Correctional Institution. The incumbent in this position is considered to have regulatory responsibilities and is subject to the provisions of Chapter 60L-36, Florida Administrative Code.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Supervises male or female inmates commensurate with the level of risk they present. Manages inmate housing areas, enforces rules and sanitation standards. Transports inmates using approved restraints and observing relevant laws, policies and procedures. Conducts accurate head counts, maintains custody and control over inmates at appointments outside the secured perimeter and escorts inmates within the secured perimeter. Inventories personal property of inmates and issues receipts.
Performs crisis intervention functions to include, but not limited to, subduing or restraining violent or uncooperative inmates, defending persons against attack, and preventing escapes, using approved deadly or non-deadly force, restraints or other approved methods. Required to wear body armor and use weapons.
Maintains facility security. This includes performing searches of inmates and other persons. This includes the visual inspection of body cavities and possible exposure to body fluids. Responsible for checking inmate mail and/or packages for contraband. Observes inmate behavior to identify inmates exhibiting mental or emotional disorders. Uses counseling techniques or referral action, as outlined in written policies or guidelines. Conducts inspections and visual and audio surveillance of persons, property, vehicles, building and outdoor areas. Physically checks doors, windows, gates, barred sections, fences and other areas to ensure proper security.
Provides emergency assistance during emergencies, disasters and accidents to include but not limited to, CPR, first aid, apprehension of escaping or escaped inmates, implementation of evacuation procedures, provides security of inmates and/or areas in accordance with the emergency situation.
Directs Correctional Officers in supervising inmates in housing units and those segregated for administrative or punitive measures. Directs Correctional Officers in checking inmate mail for possible contraband, and in supervising inmates working on work details both inside and outside the fenced perimeter. Directs Correctional Officers in maintaining master inmate location counts and directs the entire operation of the Control Room or the Main Gate. Ensures that all transportation permits are completed accurately and signed by the appropriate authority. Directs Officers in preparing reports such as special progress, minor work, disciplinary and/or incident reports.
Attends mandatory and other training as required.
Performs other related duties as required.
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, please contact SSU Promotions at 850-717-3771.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties applying online, please contact the People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Location:

What State Of Florida employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom