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Correctional Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Correctional Officer

Beattyville, KY · On-site

$38K - $49K/yr

We are hiring immediately for a Correctional Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional, secure setting. As a CoreCivic employee, you can expect: Company ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Correctional Officer

Burgin, KY · On-site

$39K/yr

Advertisement Closes 8/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2604324 Correctional Officer Pay Grade10 Salary $39,127.68 Annually Locality Premium - $5.23 per hour Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour Weekend Premium - $2 ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

$39K/yr

Advertisement Closes 8/24/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2604261 Correctional Officer Pay Grade10 Salary $39,127.68 Annually Locality Premium - $5.23 per hour Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour Weekend Premium - $2 ...

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All JobsCorrectional JobsCorrectional Jobs in Kentucky

Correctional information

See Kentucky salary details

$25.2K

$46.9K

$65.1K

How much do correctional jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional in Kentucky is $46,907.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $52,100.00 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.

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 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 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.

Is it easy to get hired in correctional?

Getting hired as a correctional officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs. Job availability can vary based on location and staffing needs, but the process often involves competitive application procedures and physical fitness assessments.

What are some jobs in correctional?

Jobs in correctional facilities include correctional officers, who supervise inmates and maintain security, as well as roles such as probation officers, parole officers, and administrative staff. These positions often require training, background checks, and knowledge of safety protocols, with shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Correctional jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Correctional jobs in Kentucky?

For Correctional jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Correctional jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Correctional jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Correctional jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Correctional job openings:

Correctional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,907 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Correctional Officer

CoreCivic

Beattyville, KY • On-site

$38K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

CoreCivic rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 43 rated prisons

Job description

20.23 per hour

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to better the public good.  We are hiring immediately for a Correctional Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional, secure setting.  As a CoreCivic employee, you can expect:

         Company matched 401K

         Paid time off and federal holidays

         Healthcare and wellness programs

         Paid Training and where applicable certifications
The Correctional Officer provides for the security, care and direct supervision of inmates/residents in housing units, at meals, during recreation, on work assignments and during all other phases of activity in a correctional facility.  You may have to employ weapons or force to maintain discipline and order.   Veterans are encouraged to apply.

         You are responsible for maintaining order and security of inmates in a correctional facility. 

         You must be able to work any shift, as you may be assigned to a variety of posts including, but not limited to, armory/key control, housing units, kitchen, medical, visitation, etc.

         CoreCivic recognizes your military service to qualify you for positions requiring criminal justice experience. 

What CoreCivic employees say

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About CoreCivic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At CoreCivic , we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

Industry

Public safety administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1983

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