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Correctional Sergeant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

Three years of experience as a Correctional Officer involving the custody and security of adult inmates. \r\nNotes: \r\n1. The above educational requirement is set by the Correctional Training ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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.

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.

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.
More about Correctional Sergeant jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional Sergeant jobs? Cities with the most Correctional Sergeant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Sergeant jobs? The most popular types of Correctional Sergeant jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Correctional Sergeant jobs? The top employers for Correctional Sergeant jobs are:
What states have the most Correctional Sergeant jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional Sergeant jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Correctional Sergeant jobs? For Correctional Sergeant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Correctional Sergeant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,518 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Corrections Sergeant: Buckingham Correctional Center #00379, #00109, #00489

Corrections Sergeant: Buckingham Correctional Center #00379, #00109, #00489

State of Virginia

Buckingham, VA • On-site

$52K - $94K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states


Job description

Corrections Sergeant: Buckingham Correctional Center #00379, #00109, #00489

Apply now Job no: 5105326
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Buckingham, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety

Title: Corrections Sergeant: Buckingham Correctional Center #00379, #00109, #00489

State Role Title: Security Officer IV

Hiring Range: $52,721.00 - $94,002.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Buckingham Correctional Center

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

Position is responsible for contributing to the public safety mission by providing first line supervision to Corrections Officers and Corrections Officer Trainees in an institutional setting. Supervises and monitors staff on assigned shift to ensure a safe and secure environment. Communicates with management, staff, visitors, inmates, and the public. Leads and counsel's staff. Completes required training. Maintains a safe and productive workforce.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Valid Driver's License. Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certification. Working knowledge and understanding of correctional policies, procedures, and practices. Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, schedule and supervise the work of others. Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend workplace policies and procedures and to prepare workplace reports and documentation. Demonstrated ability to sufficiently receive, understand, follow, and give oral and written instructions. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, schedule and supervise the work of others. Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend workplace policies and procedures and to prepare workplace reports and documentation.

Additional Considerations

Previous supervisory experience. Demonstrated ability to produce written reports using a computer. Equivalent training or experience. Fluency in Spanish.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or resume for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or resume.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or resume.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program | Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 434-983-4400

Email: Emailed applications are not accepted.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 21 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 05 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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