ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Correctional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Florida Department of Corrections

Be Seen First

Security / Correctional Officer

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$48K/yr

Come join the Florida Department Corrections in a rewarding career as a Correctional Officer. No prior experience is necessary, all training is provided and paid. This is a great opportunity for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCorrectional Jobs

Correctional information

See salary details

$29K

$54K

$75K

How much do correctional jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional in the United States is $54,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are correctional officers?

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 as a correctional officer?

Getting hired as a correctional officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training or certification programs. The hiring process can be competitive and may involve written exams, physical tests, and interviews, depending on the facility.

What is the highest paying job in corrections?

The highest paying jobs in corrections are typically senior management roles such as Warden or Director of Corrections, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often a master's degree in criminal justice or public administration.

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 different jobs in corrections?

Jobs in corrections include correctional officers, detention officers, probation officers, parole officers, administrative staff, counselors, and medical personnel. These roles involve supervising inmates, maintaining security, providing rehabilitation services, and supporting inmate health and well-being, often requiring specific training or certifications. The work environment is typically a correctional facility or related administrative setting.

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.

Why do so many people quit corrections?

Many correctional officers leave the job due to high stress, exposure to violence, and challenging working conditions. The demanding environment, irregular shifts, and emotional toll can contribute to burnout and turnover in the profession.
More about Correctional jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional jobs? Cities with the most Correctional job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional jobs? The most popular types of Correctional jobs are:
What states have the most Correctional jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Correctional jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional jobs are:
Correctional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,007 per year, or $26 per hour.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SERGEANT

State of Maryland - Department of Public Safety and Correctional Svcs

Carroll, MD • On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Introduction

This is a promotional examination limited to employees of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This recruitment will be utilized to fill vacancies within the Department of Corrections, Pre-Release, & Pre-Trial Institutions throughout the State of Maryland.\r\n

GRADE

CORR 0005\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

STATEWIDE\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

This is a position specific recruitment for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The resulting eligible list will be used to fill positions in DPSCS Correctional facilities throughout the State of Maryland. Applicants certified to this list will remain eligible for at least one- two years.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Correctional Training Commission regulation.\r\nExperience: 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 Commission in accordance with Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209. \r\n2. Candidates may substitute additional education at an accredited college or university at the rate of sixty credit hours for one year of the required experience provided that a minimum of 15 credit hours are in the field of criminal justice or related social sciences. \r\n3. Candidates may substitute equivalent State experience in other classifications within the correctional field which involve daily contact with and custody of inmates for the required experience. Qualifying experience must be in a classification where the salary is comparable to that of Correctional Officer II.\r\n4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience in correctional classifications or correctional specialty codes in the criminal justice field of work equivalent to a Correctional Officer II on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.\r\n

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This is a promotional examination limited to employees of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n2. Employees in this classification may be required to operate busses for the transportation of inmates. Employees assigned such duties will be required to acquire a Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger and air brakes endorsements valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees who have not already done so must meet the selection standards required and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a correctional officer during their probationary period, (Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209). Selection standards for correctional officer training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations Title 12, Subtitle 10, Chapter 01 and include the following: \r\nU.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status \r\nMust be at least 21 years of age \r\nA completed background investigation \r\nOral interview \r\nPhysical examination. \r\n2. Employees in this classification hired or reinstated on or after July 1, 2016 shall successfully complete the Entrance Level Firearms Training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission (Code of Maryland 12.10.04.04 and 12.10.04.05) and demonstrate practical knowledge and proficiency in the safe use and care of firearms on a periodic basis.\r\n3. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide the employing agency with a telephone number where they can be reached. \r\n4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs. \r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.We will not consider information submitted after this date.Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on theeligible (employment) list for at least one- two year.\r\n

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The written examination is designed to measure the candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the duties of this job classification.\r\n

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.\r\n\r\n\r\nCLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n\r\n\r\n Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)\r\n Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year\r\n Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year\r\n Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child\r\n Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year\r\n Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to Kwanesha.lyle@maryland.gov. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information tokwanesha.lyle@maryland.gov referencing the recruitment number in the subject line. Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.\r\n\r\n\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999.\r\n\r\n\r\nNeesha Lyle\r\n\r\n\r\nkwanesha.lyle@maryland.gov\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.\r\n\r\n\r\nTTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\n\r\n\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\n\r\n\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time

Apply