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County Jail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JAIL NURSE

NY ยท 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.

Jailer - Douglas County

Superior, WI ยท On-site

$24.85 - $28.85/hr

Sheriff's Department/Jail Division Opening Date: 07/10/2026 Description Douglas County is seeking candidates to fill open position(s) and establish an eligibility list Individuals with experience in ...

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 ...

Douglas County Jail provides a supportive, team-oriented environment for those who want to make a difference in the community. The Jailer is responsible for maintaining the institution's security and ...

Jailer - Douglas County

Superior, WI ยท On-site

$24.85 - $28.85/hr

Douglas County Jail provides a supportive, team-oriented environment for those who want to make a difference in the community. The Jailer is responsible for maintaining the institution's security and ...

Deputy Sheriff - Jailer

Port Washington, WI ยท On-site

$28.04 - $35.84/hr

This is a generalist position that emphasizes the application of incarceration methods and procedures as they apply to a county jail when appropriate and necessary, while performing general jailer ...

Jail Chaplain

Lancaster, OH ยท On-site

$15.63/hr

SHERIFF CIVIL Opening Date: 12/08/2025 Description The Jail Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional, and religious support to inmates and staff in the Fairfield County Jail in compliance with Ohio ...

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County Jail information

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How much do county jail jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various County Jail job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,907 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

$35.44 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary: $35.44 - $40.00 Hourly
Location : Lewis County Public Safety Building, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600010
Department: Sheriff Department
Opening Date: 02/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Distinguishing Features of the Class
This is a professional nursing position involving responsibility for performing nursing activities in the assessment of health needs to persons incarcerated in 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 medical and surgical history, medication history and review of body systems;
  • Reviews individuals health history and compiles information relating to individuals general health status;
  • Is responsible for observing symptoms and carrying out treatment procedures ordered by the Jail Physician;
  • Notifies Jail Physician of instances requiring medical assessment and treatment;
  • Carries out Jail Physician's orders regarding medication administration and medical/surgical treatments or procedures;
  • Conducts sick call to determine priority for seeing Jail Physician;
  • Performs Tuberculin skin screenings on all inmates;
  • Performs HIV screenings and counseling;
  • Arranges for health or mental health referral services for inmates;
  • Institutes practices to prevent and/or control the spread of communicable disease in the jail;
  • Orders medications needed by inmates from a pharmacy and assures medications are available for around-the-clock administration as ordered by the Jail Physician;
  • Prepares and applies dressings, gives medication and nursing or therapeutic treatments and rehabilitative measures as authorized by the Jail Physician;
  • Assures adherence to minimum regulations of the NYS Department of Corrections in cooperation with the Jail Physician and Public Health Director;
  • Orders and maintains health services equipment and supplies;
  • Maintains a log of use and control of DEA regulated medications;
  • Maintains a variety of records and reports.

Minimum Qualifications
Licensure and current registration as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
Full performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics
  • Good knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical and surgical practices and skill in their application;
  • Working knowledge of medicine, nutrition and dietetics, sanitation and personal hygiene;
  • Skill in the application of nursing techniques and practices;
  • Ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions;
  • Ability to accurately determine individual health history data;
  • Ability to make observations regarding individual health status and condition;
  • Ability to keep records and make reports;
  • Ability work effectively with incarcerated persons and to function in a jail environment;
  • Sensitivity to persons from a variety of socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds;
  • Ability to successfully carry out treatment plans and therapeutic measures as prescribed;
  • Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Lewis County offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package including NYS Retirement, medical coverage, dental coverage, and vision coverage. The County offers paid vacation, sick, and personal time as well as holiday pay.