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Correctional Sergeant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$41K - $72K/yr

Agency Adult Correction Division COO - OPS - Institutions Operations Job Classification Title Correctional Sergeant III (S) Position Number 60059423 Grade NC09 About Us The NC Department of Adult ...

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$41K - $72K/yr

Agency Adult Correction Division COO - OPS - Institutions Operations Job Classification Title Correctional Sergeant III (S) Position Number 60059417 Grade NC09 About Us The NC Department of Adult ...

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$41K - $72K/yr

Agency Adult Correction Division COO - OPS - Institutions Operations Job Classification Title Correctional Sergeant III (S) Position Number 65011079 Grade NC09 About Us The NC Department of Adult ...

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Correctional Sergeant information

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$36.5K

$57.5K

$78K

How much do correctional sergeant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional sergeant 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 is the highest paying job in corrections?

The highest paying jobs in corrections are typically senior leadership roles such as Director of Corrections or Warden, followed by specialized positions like Correctional Healthcare Directors or Security Directors. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and management skills, and they oversee large facilities or departments with higher salaries. Compensation varies by jurisdiction and facility size but generally exceeds that of correctional sergeants and line officers.

What does a correctional sergeant do?

A correctional sergeant supervises correctional officers and inmates within a jail or prison facility, ensuring safety, security, and adherence to policies. They oversee daily operations, enforce rules, handle conflicts, and may be involved in reporting and administrative tasks. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of security procedures are essential for this role.

What are some typical challenges faced by Correctional Sergeants, and how can they effectively manage them?

Correctional Sergeants often encounter challenges such as maintaining order among inmates, responding to security incidents, and managing staff performance. They must balance enforcing rules with fair treatment and effective communication, which can be demanding in a high-stress environment. Building strong leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and staying up-to-date with facility policies are key strategies for managing these challenges effectively. Additionally, Correctional Sergeants collaborate closely with officers, administrative staff, and sometimes external agencies to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

Can a correctional officer be a sergeant?

A correctional officer can be promoted to a correctional sergeant, which is a supervisory role requiring experience, leadership skills, and often additional training or certification. Advancement typically involves passing promotional exams and demonstrating competence in security procedures and inmate management.

What is the difference between Correctional Sergeant vs Correctional Officer?

AspectCorrectional SergeantCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, correctional training, supervisory skillsHigh school diploma or GED, basic correctional training
Work EnvironmentSupervises inmates and staff within correctional facilitiesMonitors inmates, enforces rules, and maintains security
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in prisons, jails, detention centersUsed in prisons, jails, detention centers

The main difference between a Correctional Sergeant and a Correctional Officer lies in their responsibilities. Correctional Sergeants typically oversee correctional officers, manage inmate activities, and enforce facility policies, requiring supervisory skills. Correctional Officers focus on monitoring inmates, maintaining security, and enforcing rules. Both roles are essential in correctional facilities, but Sergeants hold leadership responsibilities and often have additional training or certifications.

How much do correctional sergeants make?

Correctional sergeants typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on location, experience, and the size of the facility. They often oversee correctional officers and enforce facility rules, requiring leadership skills and knowledge of security procedures.

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

To thrive as a Correctional Sergeant, you need a solid understanding of correctional procedures, supervisory experience, and typically a background in criminal justice or corrections. Familiarity with security management systems, incident reporting software, and certification in defensive tactics or crisis intervention is often required. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills are essential for managing staff and maintaining order. These skills ensure the safety, security, and effective operation of correctional facilities.

What are Correctional Sergeants?

Correctional Sergeants are supervisory officers who oversee the activities and safety of correctional officers and inmates within a prison or jail facility. They are responsible for enforcing rules, maintaining order, and ensuring that staff follow established procedures. Correctional Sergeants also manage shift operations, respond to emergencies, and provide training and guidance to subordinate staff. Their leadership is essential for maintaining security and the smooth operation of correctional institutions.
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Correctional Sergeant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Sergeant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 29% Full Time, 69% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,518 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Correctional Sergeant

Correctional Sergeant

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$43K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
7/3/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603053
Correctional Sergeant
Pay Grade11
Salary
$43,046.16 Annually
Locality Premium - $5.228 per hour
Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Shift Premium - $1.13 per hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 40.0 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Juvenile Justice
Location
3475 Spurr Road
Lexington, KY 40511 USA
Description
The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a multi-faceted agency that serves juveniles of theCommonwealth. While striving to hold youth accountable for their actions, the Department creates opportunitiesfor sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills that will equip themfor re-entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens.
The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriateplacement possible. We aspire to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life-changingservices resulting in the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.
For more information about the Department of Juvenile Justice please visit: https://djj.ky.gov/
This is a highly responsible position in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The employee is expected toperform all duties to the best of their ability, act in a responsible manner at all times, demonstrateleadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position thatrequires maturity, reliability, and self-discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged throughtraining and mentoring opportunities.
Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact foradditional information.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Has functional supervision over and coordinates the work of employees or inmates for a specialized program or detail.
  • Performs custodial security functions.
  • Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
  • Supervise Correctional Officers. Completes evaluations and approves time or attendance.
  • Maintains shift logs on juvenile's activities and notifies supervisors of issues; completes incident reports as needed; assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
  • Provides support services for routine maintenance, etc.; checks premises and ensures the safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
  • Assists in group counseling sessions and assignments.
  • Transports juveniles to off campus outings, appointments, etc.
  • Be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
  • May perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work related projects.
Additional Information:
  • This position is deemed essential and has been designated for mandatory operations by the Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
  • May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.•
  • Required to successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weeks on the job training, four weeks (Monday - Friday) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky). Overnight lodging and travel is required for the ACT and provided by the department.
  • Applicants are required to successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential jobfunctions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The cost of the physical examination will be billedthrough the employee's health insurance; however, any applicable co-pays will be reimbursed by the department.For additional information, please contact the program's administrative staff.
This position has an approved Locality Premium of $5.228, based on the organizational structure and work county it is currently assigned to, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(1).
This job classification is approved for the following shift premiums, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(2), which are applied to the base salary:
  • Shift Premium - $2.13 an hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
  • Shift Premium $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
  • Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
  • Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:High school graduate.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:Must have one year of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, or in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program or any combination of the above.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:An Associate's degree from a college or university in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field will substitute for six months of the required experience. A bachelor's degree from a college or university in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related major field will substitute for the year of required experience. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent training program approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):Must be twenty-one years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Work environment is hazardous due to working in a state correctional facility with convicted felons or in a juvenile detention facility. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle when providing transportation.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Donty Lear at donty.lear@ky.gov or 859-246-2806.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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