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Correctional Officers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Correctional Officer

Pawhuska, 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 ...

Correctional Officer

Mcalester, 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 ...

Correctional Officer

Atoka, 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 ...

Correctional Officer

Cherokee, 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 ...

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 Officer

Holdenville, 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 ...

Correctional Officer

Atoka, 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 ...

Correctional Officer

Mcalester, 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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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 1, (CO2), Monroe Correctional Complex, Monroe, WA

Correctional Officer 1, (CO2), Monroe Correctional Complex, Monroe, WA

State of Washington

Olympia, WA • On-site

$6.4K - $7.4K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Washington rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $6,452.00 - $7,477.00 Monthly
Location : Snohomish County - Monroe, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-05281
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - MCC
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Correctional Officer 1 (CO2), Monroe Correctional Complex
Full- time and on-call positions available
Monroe Correctional Complex, Monroe, WA
SAVE THE DATE!
Qualified candidates will be invited to a Hiring Event with interviews:
Date: Thursday, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, 2026
Successful candidates for this recruitment would attend the earliest Training Academy available.
About Prison Facilities:
The Washington legislature has established a comprehensive system of corrections for convicted law violators within the state of Washington to accomplish a primary objective of ensuring public safety. The system is designed and managed to provide the maximum feasible safety for the persons and property of the general public, the staff, and the inmates (RCW 72.09.010).
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has 11 prison facilities with custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum security.
Salary Information: Corrections & Custody Officer 1 (TEAMSTERS Range 46 Step J-M)
• Full-time - $6,452 - $6,945
• On-call/Hourly - $37.08 - $39.91
Corrections & Custody Officer 2: (TEAMSTERS Range 49 Step J-M)
• Full-time - $6,945- $7,477
• On-call/Hourly - $39.91 - $42.97
To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO2) level you must meet the following qualifications:
One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, which includes successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.
One year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to a DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.
On-Call Positions
On-call staff may have the opportunity to work an average of 32-40 hours per week, although the positions have no minimum hour guarantee. Incumbents will be required to attend 6 weeks of full-time paid training immediately upon hire and will be considered for full-time permanent and/or temporary vacancies as they occur. All correctional officers, including those in on-call positions, are provided with a benefits package including medical, dental, vision and retirement as well as paid sick leave, holiday pay and vacation; provided they work at least 20 hours or more each week.
Please note: if you recently applied to this location within the last 90days, no need to reapply.
Facility information: Monroe Correctional Complex
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated and talented individuals for the positions of Correctional Officer 1 and/or 2, at the Monroe Correctional Complex, Monroe, WA, is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The on call/intermittent positions have no minimum hour guarantee.
Custody Level: Maximum, Close, Medium & Minimum
Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) is a 2,400- bed multi-custody facility. Monroe Correctional Complex opened in 1910 and is one of the longest standing prisons in Washington State. MCC structures its operations and programs around practices that show sustainable reductions in incarcerated individuals returning to prison while also enhancing security for the facility and safety for communities across Washington.
To learn more, click on the link: Contact Prisons | Washington State Department of Corrections
Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the Washington State Department of Corrections professional staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which all incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.
Click here to learn more about the Correctional Officer hiring process.
Duties
This job class is designated as in-training. The employee will advance to CO2 after satisfactory completion of the CO1 training requirements.
In an adult correctional facility, Correctional Officers provide safety and security, and assist in controlling, directing, and monitoring the activities and movement of incarcerated individuals. This includes maintaining security of the institution and controlling movement into, out of and within the institution in accordance with established department methods and procedures.
Correctional Officers are expected to be a positive role model and work with the incarcerated individuals to help them become productive members of society from the day they arrive under supervision. Correctional Officers use interpersonal skills and good communication skills to correct and counteract criminal thinking while maintaining safe confinement environments for the individuals to pursue a successful re-entry into communities. The successful candidates for Correctional Officer 1 will possess creative thinking, self-confidence, strong role-modeling and good physical and mental conditioning.
Overtime is an essential function of this position.
Correctional Officers must successfully complete Correctional Worker Core (CWC), a six-week academy for all correctional workers employed in DOC prison facilities. We know that managing difficult people takes more than force. It takes observation, knowledge, skills, and continual practice. Every DOC employee is provided with initial training designed to help ensure safe working conditions and will continue to get on-the-job training throughout their employment.
to learn more about Training & Development at DOC.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • • Graduation from high school or GED
  • • Valid Driver's license
  • • The legal (Constitutional) right to carry a firearm

Note: Pre-employment process includes drug testing and psychological evaluation.
To qualify at the Corrections and Custody Officer 2 (CO2) level you must meet the following qualifications:
One year of experience as a Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections and Custody Officer, which includes successful completion of the CORE (Academy) and the Correctional Officer Field Training Program.
One year of experience as a Correctional Officer in adult or juvenile corrections where security functions equivalent to DOC Corrections and Security Officer 2 were performed.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values:
  • Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
  • Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
  • People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
  • Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
  • Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
  • DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
  • This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
  • Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
    **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
  • A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
  • We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
  • Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
  • Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
  • Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.

What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
  • Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
  • Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
  • 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
  • 12 paid holidays a year
  • Generous retirement plan
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Assistance
  • Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email: Daniel Camarena daniel.camarena@doc1.wa.gov
or call (509) 980-1973.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:

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About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889