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Correctional Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Correctional Program Officer information

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$34.5K

$74.4K

$141K

How much do correctional program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional program officer in the United States is $74,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Correctional Program Officer vs Probation Officer?

AspectCorrectional Program OfficerProbation Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles may require relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or GED; often requires state certification
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, offender supervision offices
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or private correctional agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies
Job FocusImplementing correctional programs, supervising inmates in facilitiesMonitoring offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with probation terms

Both Correctional Program Officers and Probation Officers work within the criminal justice system, but Correctional Program Officers focus on managing programs within correctional facilities, while Probation Officers supervise offenders in the community. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in criminal justice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Correctional Program Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Program Officer, you need a background in criminal justice or a related field, strong knowledge of correctional policies, and experience in case management. Familiarity with offender management systems, risk assessment tools, and documentation software is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and cultural sensitivity help officers build rapport and effectively support inmate rehabilitation. These skills are vital for ensuring security, promoting successful reintegration, and maintaining a positive correctional environment.

What types of programs do Correctional Program Officers typically coordinate, and how do they impact inmate rehabilitation?

Correctional Program Officers are responsible for coordinating and overseeing a variety of rehabilitative and educational programs, such as substance abuse treatment, vocational training, anger management, and educational classes. These programs are designed to address inmates' individual needs and promote positive behavioral change, which can significantly reduce recidivism rates. Officers work closely with counselors, case managers, and external service providers to tailor program offerings to the inmate population and monitor progress. Their role involves frequent communication with inmates and collaboration with correctional staff to ensure safety and program effectiveness.

What are Correctional Program Officers?

Correctional Program Officers are professionals who work within correctional facilities to develop, implement, and monitor rehabilitation programs for inmates. Their primary goal is to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society by providing counseling, educational opportunities, and vocational training. They assess inmates’ needs, create individualized plans, and ensure compliance with institutional policies. Correctional Program Officers also collaborate with other staff, community organizations, and parole boards to support inmates during and after incarceration.
More about Correctional Program Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional Program Officer jobs? Cities with the most Correctional Program Officer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Correctional Program Officer jobs? The top employers for Correctional Program Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Correctional Program Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional Program Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Correctional Program Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,434 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Correctional Program Officer (Deputy Regional Director)

Correctional Program Officer (Deputy Regional Director)

Department of Justice

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$150K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
Experience:
You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is directly related experience that included substantial involvement with a correctional program and provided a thorough knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience in meeting and dealing with people that demonstrated the ability to work effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment.
Experience must have also demonstrated the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties successfully. This includes (1) understanding the problems of custody, treatment, training, and release of inmates of penal or correctional institutions; (2) a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of an institution's internal policies, programs, regulations, and procedures; and (3)training subordinates, coordinating and directing activities and functions, evaluating performance of operations and the effectiveness of programs, and maintaining high standards or work objectives. This experience must have been gained in an administrative position, or in other positions that included the successful direction, or assistance in the direction of, an entire correctional program or a major phase of such a program.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience in analyzing information and providing recommendations in regards to the formulation, establishment or modification for agency/organization wide program objectives, plans, and or policies.
  • Experience in developing policy and providing guidance, direction, supervision, advice and/or evaluation regarding institution operations and programs.
  • Experience in the development and implementation of plans, policies and programs (including the allocation of financial and manpower resources) for the management of correctional programs.
  • Experience working with a variety of institutions, inmate populations and the resulting problems presented by the various combinations in order to effectively carry out primary responsibilities of directing and evaluating operating programs in field institutions.

Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER