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Correctional System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

$61K/yr

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 ...

BOP: General Practitioner

$61K/yr

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 ...

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Correctional System information

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$15

$27

$42

How much do correctional system jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for correctional system in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the correctional system?

Professionals in the correctional system often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, addressing the needs of diverse inmate populations, and maintaining safety and security for both staff and inmates. Balancing firm enforcement of rules with empathy and effective communication is crucial, as is adapting to evolving policies and procedures. Building strong teamwork with other correctional officers, healthcare providers, and administrative staff is essential to address these challenges and ensure a safe working environment.

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

To thrive in the Correctional System, you generally need knowledge of criminal justice procedures, a high school diploma or equivalent (with many roles requiring additional training or certifications), and an understanding of correctional policies. Familiarity with security monitoring systems, incident reporting software, and basic first aid or crisis management certifications is often required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience are vital soft skills for managing inmate interactions and maintaining a safe environment. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safety, upholding regulations, and fostering rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Correctional System vs Correctional Officer?

AspectCorrectional SystemCorrectional Officer
CredentialsVaries by role; often includes background checks and trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training required
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, administrative offices, policy settingsPrison or jail facilities, security posts
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, correctional institutionsCorrectional facilities, law enforcement agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles within correctional institutionsJob duties, qualifications, and career path of correctional officers

The correctional system encompasses the entire network of institutions, policies, and administrative functions managing correctional facilities. Correctional officers are frontline staff responsible for security and inmate supervision within these facilities. While the correctional system refers to the broader infrastructure, correctional officers are specific roles within that system, focusing on daily security operations.

What is the correctional system?

The correctional system refers to the network of agencies and institutions responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested, convicted, and sentenced for criminal offenses. It includes prisons, jails, probation, parole, and rehabilitation programs. The primary goals of the correctional system are to punish offenders, protect society, and offer opportunities for rehabilitation. Correctional officers, administrators, counselors, and other professionals all play essential roles in maintaining safety and supporting inmate reform.
What cities are hiring for Correctional System jobs? Cities with the most Correctional System job openings:
What states have the most Correctional System jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional System jobs include:
Correctional System jobs near you
Correctional Officer (Correctional Systems Officer)

Correctional Officer (Correctional Systems Officer)

Department of Justice

Oakdale, LA • On-site

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 15 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 at this grade level.
Experience:

You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. This experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience directly related to the various functions of the Mailroom and Receiving and Discharge areas; to include admission and release, physical processing, identification, coordination of prisoner transfers, security procedures, bus movement, final releases.
  • Experience in supervising large groups of inmates in preparation for bus or airlift operations. This includes coordinating and carrying out various functions (i.e., visual searching, fingerprinting, photographing).
  • Experience in carrying out the proper release of inmates who have completed their federal sentences; to include proper identification of inmates, review of clearances, fines, all forms of release paperwork, etc.
  • Experience in coordinating exchanges of custody with federal and non-federal agencies.

Medical Requirement:
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure, and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions, and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, 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

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