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Correctional Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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Correctional information

See Delaware salary details

$29K

$54.1K

$75.1K

How much do correctional jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional in Delaware is $54,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $60,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a correctional officer?

Correctional officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Their primary duties include maintaining order and security within correctional facilities, preventing disturbances, and ensuring the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. They also enforce rules and regulations, conduct inspections, and may assist in the rehabilitation and counseling of offenders. Correctional officers play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by promoting safety and supporting the reintegration of individuals into society.

Is it easy to get hired in correctional?

Getting hired as a correctional officer can be competitive and typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical fitness tests. Candidates often need relevant education, training, or certifications, and the hiring process may involve interviews and psychological evaluations.

What are some common challenges correctional officers face in maintaining safety and order within a facility?

Correctional officers often encounter challenges such as managing conflicts between inmates, dealing with unpredictable situations, and ensuring adherence to facility rules. Maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure is crucial, as is effective communication with both inmates and fellow staff members. Officers are trained to identify potential risks and de-escalate tense situations, which helps foster a safer environment for everyone in the facility.

What is the difference between Correctional vs Probation Officer?

AspectCorrectionalProbation Officer
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma or GED; some roles may need a criminal justice degreeRequires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; certification may be needed
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCommunity settings, courts, probation offices
Employer & IndustryPrison systems, correctional institutionsCourts, probation agencies, criminal justice system
Job FocusSupervising inmates, maintaining security within correctional facilitiesMonitoring offenders in the community, ensuring compliance with probation terms

Correctional officers primarily work within prisons and detention centers, focusing on inmate supervision and security. Probation officers work in community settings, overseeing offenders on probation and helping them reintegrate into society. While both roles serve the criminal justice system, correctional officers are more facility-based, whereas probation officers operate mainly in the field.

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

To thrive as a Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of security protocols, and physical fitness. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and self-defense training is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and sound judgment are critical for managing inmate interactions and maintaining order. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, upholding regulations, and effectively handling challenging situations in correctional facilities.

What are some jobs in corrections?

Jobs in corrections include correctional officers, who supervise inmates and maintain security within correctional facilities, and probation officers, who monitor offenders on probation. Other roles include administrative staff, counselors, and security personnel, often requiring training or certification in criminal justice or related fields.
What are popular job titles related to Correctional jobs in Delaware? For Correctional jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Correctional jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional jobs in Delaware are:
Correctional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,054 per year, or $26 per hour.

Correctional Officer

State of Delaware - Department of Corrections - DOC

Dover, DE • On-site

Training provided

$59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

$5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS!

Become a Delaware Correctional Officer

Protect. Lead. Serve. Build a Career That Matters.

Are you ready for a career with purpose—not just a paycheck?

The Delaware Department of Correction is seeking motivated, dependable individuals who are ready to make a difference every day. As a Correctional Officer, you'll help maintain the safety and security of our facilities while positively influencing the lives of those in custody and protecting the communities we serve.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a profession with outstanding benefits, paid training, and unlimited advancement opportunities, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Why Choose the Delaware Department of Correction?

  • Competitive Pay - Earn a competitive salary with opportunities for overtime and shift differentials.
  • $5,000 Sign-On Bonus* - Qualified new hires may be eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive.
  • Paid Academy Training - No prior correctional experience? No problem. We'll provide the professional training and support you need to succeed.
  • Outstanding State Benefits - Enjoy an exceptional State of Delaware benefits package featuring comprehensive health insurance, a State pension, generous paid leave, tuition assistance, retirement savings options, employee wellness resources, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Essential Functions

  • Maintains control of inmates while escorting individuals or groups within the prison.
  • Keeps accurate head counts of inmates in the assigned security post.
  • Conducts periodic shakedowns of inmates and searches inmates, visitors, employees, cell blocks and/or other structures for such prohibited items as tools, weapons or other contraband.
  • Operates manual and electronic locking systems.
  • Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures affecting inmate discipline, security and safety.
  • Observes inmate activities to detect unusual or prohibited behavior which may be a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of the inmate, other inmates, employees or visitors.
  • Ensures inmates conform to proper standards of care as required for the living areas and personal hygiene.
  • Maintains the custody of inmates during transport to other institutions and in the community for court appearances or a variety of appointments.
  • Prepares and maintains a daily log and routine reports of activities and incidents on the assigned shift using an automated information system to enter, update, retrieve and report on data.
  • May be required to train and care for K-9 including feeding, grooming and kennel maintenance.
  • May enter institution as backup in riot control and shakedown activities. May participate in the pursuit of escapees.

Job Requirements

  1. At least 18 years of age.
  2. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
  3. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Company Description

The Department is the second largest Executive branch agency in the State, and the largest law enforcement agency in the State with over 2,500 employees. The Department is comprised of the Office of the Commissioner, Bureau of Administrative Services, Bureau of Correctional Healthcare Services, Bureau of Prisons and Bureau of Community Corrections.

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