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Correctional Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Florence, AZ · On-site

$23.08/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22.50/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Golden Valley, AZ · On-site

$26/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

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Correctional Science information

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$36.5K

$57.5K

$78K

How much do correctional science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional science in the United States is $57,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Correctional Science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Correctional Science, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice principles, correctional policies, and offender management, typically supported by a degree in correctional science or criminal justice. Familiarity with case management software, security systems, and incident reporting tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and conflict resolution abilities help professionals manage challenging interactions and maintain safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the effective and humane operation of correctional facilities while maintaining security and order.

What is Correctional Science?

Correctional Science is the study of the correctional system, including prisons, probation, parole, and rehabilitation programs. It focuses on the management, treatment, and supervision of individuals who have been convicted of crimes. Students and professionals in this field learn about criminal justice policies, inmate rights, correctional facility operations, and rehabilitation strategies. This field prepares individuals for various roles within correctional institutions, probation departments, and related agencies.

What can you do with a degree in corrections?

A degree in corrections prepares individuals for careers in criminal justice, including roles such as correctional officer, probation officer, or parole officer. These positions involve supervising offenders, ensuring safety within correctional facilities, and implementing rehabilitation programs, often requiring knowledge of criminal law and security procedures.

What is the difference between Correctional Science vs Forensic Science?

AspectCorrectional ScienceForensic Science
Required CredentialsCriminal justice degree, correctional certificationsForensic science degree, criminalistics certifications
Work EnvironmentPrisons, correctional facilitiesCrime labs, crime scenes, courts
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesLaw enforcement, forensic labs, legal system

Correctional Science focuses on the management and rehabilitation of offenders within correctional facilities, emphasizing security and inmate programs. Forensic Science involves analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes to support criminal investigations. While both fields relate to the criminal justice system, Correctional Science centers on inmate management, whereas Forensic Science is about evidence analysis. Professionals often share similar educational backgrounds but work in different environments and roles.

What is the highest paying job in corrections?

In correctional science, senior roles such as Correctional Administrator or Director of Corrections tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications in criminal justice or public administration.

What can I do with my BS in criminal justice?

A BS in criminal justice can qualify you for roles such as correctional officer, probation officer, or crime analyst. These positions often require knowledge of criminal law, security procedures, and communication skills, and may involve working in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, or community programs.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In correctional science, most roles require at least some formal education or specialized training; however, high-paying security or supervisory positions in private security firms or security consulting can sometimes reach or exceed $10,000 per month with experience. These roles often demand strong leadership skills, industry certifications, and extensive on-the-job experience rather than a traditional degree.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Correctional Science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Correctional Science often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, ensuring personal safety, and working with individuals who may have complex behavioral or mental health needs. Building strong communication and conflict resolution skills, participating in ongoing training, and fostering teamwork with colleagues are key strategies for addressing these challenges. Additionally, many correctional facilities offer support resources and professional development opportunities to help staff cope with job-related stress and advance in their careers.
More about Correctional Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional Science jobs? Cities with the most Correctional Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Science jobs? The most popular types of Correctional Science jobs are:
What states have the most Correctional Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Science jobs are:
Correctional Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Full Time, and 88% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,518 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
CERTIFIED CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

CERTIFIED CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

The GEO Group

South Bay, FL

$24.62/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Be an early applicant

The GEO Group rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 41 rated prisons

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

In this job, you will:

  • Supervise and monitor inmates in living, recreation, dining, and visitation areas.
  • Coordinate their movement (conducting counts and providing emergency response as needed).
  • Make sure program activities stay safe and supervise labor crews.
  • Conduct shakedowns for contraband materials (by yourself or with your team) and confiscate prohibited items as per policies and procedures.
  • Keep daily logs on inmates (including disciplinary reports).
  • Provide prompt and appropriate assistance to those who have been injured, ill, or have suffered trauma.
  • Report any maintenance or repair needs to keep your facility clean.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required.
  • Must have Correction Certification through FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement).
  • College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred.
  • Possession of applicable state requisites for employment.
  • Ability to work overtime as required.
  • Ability to handle physical and mental stress associated with working extended hours.
  • Must be able to regularly report to work without being late.
  • Ability to be physically alert on any shift that is assigned.
  • Ability to work up to sixteen (16) hours within a rolling 24 hour period.
  • Work experience in a correctional setting preferred.
  • May be required to possess valid state driver’s license.
  • Must be mature, flexible, able to command the respect and confidence of inmates or detainees and staff and possess a high tolerance to mental stress.

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