ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

County Jail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

La Crosse County

JAILER

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$27.83 - $34.71/hr

Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others Essential Job Functions Receives inmates committed to the County Jail and safeguards their possessions, including ...

Lewis County, NY

JAIL NURSE

NY · On-site

$35.44 - $40/hr

Lewis County Public Safety Building, NY Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202600010 Department ... Work is performed under the supervision of the Jail Physician. Does related work as required.

Lewis County

JAIL NURSE

Lowville, NY

$35.44 - $40/hr

... the County Jail. Work is performed under the supervision of the Jail Physician. Does related work as required. Typical Work Activities Performs initial health assessment of new inmates including ...

Suffolk County Government

Jail Cook

Yaphank, NY

$48K/yr

Supervises and assists in the preparation and cooking of food for the County Jail and County Honor ... Farm; * Slices, cuts, grills, roasts, deep fries and seasons food; * Carves cooked meat and ...

Suffolk County, NY

Jail Cook

Yaphank, NY · On-site

$48K/yr

Supervises and assists in the preparation and cooking of food for the County Jail and County Honor ... Farm; * Slices, cuts, grills, roasts, deep fries and seasons food; * Carves cooked meat and ...

Lewis County, NY

JAIL NURSE

Farmington, NY

$67K - $89K/yr

... County Jail. Work is performed under the supervision of the Jail Physician. Does related work as required. Typical Work Activities * Performs initial health assessment of new inmates including ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCounty Jail Jobs

County Jail information

See salary details

$14

$24

$32

How much do county jail jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for county jail in the United States is $24.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a job if you go to jail?

Working in a county jail or correctional facility can be challenging to secure due to background checks and the need for security clearances. Employers often consider criminal history, but some positions may be available if the individual meets specific requirements or has completed rehabilitation programs.

Will county jail salary?

County jail jobs, such as correctional officers, typically offer salaries that vary by location and experience but generally range from around $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Salaries may increase with overtime, seniority, and additional certifications, and benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans.

What is the difference between County Jail vs Correctional Officer?

AspectCounty JailCorrectional Officer
Primary RoleDetaining inmates awaiting trial or sentencingSupervising inmates in correctional facilities
Work EnvironmentCounty jails, short-term detention centersPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilities
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, background checkHigh school diploma or GED, training certification
Employer & IndustryCounty government, criminal justiceCorrectional institutions, law enforcement agencies

While both roles involve working within detention facilities, a County Jail primarily refers to the facility itself, whereas a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for supervising inmates within such facilities. Correctional Officers work in various detention settings, including county jails, and require specific training and certifications to perform their duties effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in a county jail?

Correctional officers in county jails often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and dealing with high-stress situations. They may work with diverse populations and must be prepared to address conflicts or emergencies quickly and effectively. Adapting to shift work, collaborating with law enforcement and healthcare professionals, and keeping up with regular training are also important aspects of the role. Successful officers develop strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate these daily challenges.

Can you work at a jail without a degree?

Working as a detention officer or correctional officer at a jail typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; a college degree is not usually mandatory. However, some positions or advanced roles may prefer or require post-secondary education or specialized training. Candidates must also pass background checks, physical assessments, and training programs before employment.

What are county jails?

County jails are local detention facilities operated by county governments to house individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to other facilities. They also hold individuals serving short-term sentences, typically less than one year, for minor offenses. County jails are different from state or federal prisons, which house individuals convicted of more serious crimes and serving longer sentences. The primary purpose of a county jail is to provide secure custody and basic care for inmates during their stay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a County Jail Correctional Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Jail Correctional Officer, you need knowledge of criminal justice procedures, security protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by law enforcement academy training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, inmate management software, and emergency response tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and the ability to remain calm and assertive in challenging situations are vital soft skills. These abilities are essential for maintaining safety, order, and effective communication within the jail environment.
What cities are hiring for County Jail jobs? Cities with the most County Jail job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of County Jail jobs? The most popular types of County Jail jobs are:
What states have the most County Jail jobs? States with the most job openings for County Jail jobs include:
County Jail jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Jail job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 11% Temporary, and 45% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,907 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Jail Nurse (RN/LPN) - St. Joseph County Jail

ATC - Mid Michigan Locations

Centreville, MI

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Full Time (12-Hour Shifts) – Centreville, MI (Near Three Rivers, Sturgis, Constantine)
 
St. Joseph County Jail
 
ATC Healthcare is seeking experienced RNs and LPNs for PRN (as-needed) coverage at the St. Joseph County Jail in Centreville, Michigan. This role provides nursing care and care coordination in a structured correctional setting.
 
What You’ll Do
• Conduct intake medical screenings and respond to sick call requests 
• Perform medication administration and ensure accurate documentation 
• Assist providers with exams and clinical evaluations 
• Provide urgent and emergent care as needed 
• Coordinate off-site appointments, referrals, and follow-up care 
• Monitor and manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) 
• Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation 
• Support mental health screenings and referrals 
• Act as a first responder in medical emergencies 
 
Schedule
• PRN / As-Needed Coverage 
• 12-hour shifts 
• Shifts may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays based on facility needs 
 
Requirements
• Active, unrestricted RN or LPN license (Michigan) 
• BLS/CPR (AHA) required 
• Minimum 1 year of nursing experience 
• Strong clinical judgment and communication skills 
• Ability to pass required background and health screenings 
 
ATC Benefits
• Weekly direct deposit 
• Overtime for hours worked over 40/week 
• PTO (Paid Time Off) 
• ATC Rewards Program 
• 24/7 support from our team

EOE (Equal Opportunity Employer)- ATC Healthcare will not discriminate against any individual because of race, religion, age, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political beliefs or disability.

Apply