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Death Row Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Receptionist - Part-time

Pleasant Hill, CA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

... death. Because we believe everyone deserves compassionate care regardless of their ability to pay ... Certified as a "Great Place to Work" 4 Years in a row * Employee Discounts * Employee Assistance ...

Receptionist - Part-time

Danville, CA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

... death. Because we believe everyone deserves compassionate care regardless of their ability to pay ... Certified as a "Great Place to Work" 4 Years in a row * Employee Discounts * Employee Assistance ...

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Death Row information

See California salary details

$27

$36

$42

How much do death row jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for death row in California is $36.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.70 and $40.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Death Row vs Prison Guard?

AspectDeath RowPrison Guard
Primary RoleSupervises inmates on death row, ensuring security and safety during executionsMonitors and manages general inmate populations, maintaining order and safety within the prison
Work EnvironmentHigh-security, confined to death row units, often with specialized protocolsVaried prison areas, including cell blocks, common areas, and security checkpoints
Required CredentialsSecurity training, background checks, sometimes law enforcement or correctional officer certificationCorrectional officer certification, security training, background checks

While both roles involve prison security, Death Row staff focus specifically on inmates on death row and may handle execution procedures, whereas Prison Guards oversee general inmate populations and maintain overall order within the facility.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as a death row correctional officer?

To thrive as a Death Row Correctional Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice procedures, security protocols, and often a background in law enforcement or corrections. Familiarity with surveillance systems, facility management software, and crisis response tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, emotional resilience, and sound judgment are crucial soft skills for effectively managing high-stress situations and interacting with inmates. These skills are essential for maintaining safety, security, and ethical standards in a highly sensitive correctional environment.

What challenges do correctional officers face on death row, and how can they manage the stress?

Correctional officers assigned to death row often encounter unique challenges, including heightened security protocols, managing inmates with complex psychological needs, and coping with the emotional toll of overseeing individuals awaiting execution. The work environment demands vigilance, strong interpersonal skills, and strict adherence to procedures to ensure safety for both staff and inmates. Officers can manage stress through peer support, access to counseling services, and comprehensive training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Building a supportive team culture and maintaining clear communication with colleagues are also vital for handling the pressures specific to this role.

What are death row inmates?

Death row inmates are individuals who have been convicted of capital crimes and sentenced to death by a court of law. These individuals reside in a specific section of a prison, known as death row, while they await execution. The period on death row can last years or even decades due to lengthy legal appeals and reviews. Conditions and regulations for death row inmates differ by jurisdiction, but they are typically held in high-security environments with limited privileges. The term 'death row' refers both to the physical area within a prison and to the status of those sentenced to capital punishment.

How long can someone be on death row?

Death row inmates can remain on death row for many years, often over a decade, due to lengthy legal processes, appeals, and stays of execution. The duration varies by jurisdiction and case complexity, with some inmates spending decades awaiting execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Death Row jobs in California?

The most popular types of Death Row jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Death Row jobs?

Cities in California with the most Death Row job openings:

Infographic showing various Death Row job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,025 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Summer Intern - 2027

California Appellate Project

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

California Appellate Project is committed to cultivating a new generation of criminal defense attorneys. CAP recruits a small number of students for the summer of 2027. Under the supervision of an experienced post-conviction attorney, interns will help provide documentary support, record collection, investigative review, research, writing, and technical assistance to counsel who are appointed to represent indigent persons incarcerated on California's death row.
Summer interns at CAP work full-time for 10 weeks. During this time CAP provides a week of intense legal training in addition assigning legal projects related to California death penalty cases. Remote Access Internships may be available.
Examples of past work assignments that Summer Interns at CAP have completed includes:
* Researching life chronology, family history, and genealogy.Analyzing witness lists and trial testimony; create lists of additional witnesses.
* Researching and assessing the validity of expert testimony presented at trial.
* Summarizing the penalty phase of a trial transcript.
* Collecting and organizing litigation resource materials.
* Evaluating crime scene evidence.
* Reviewing trial testimony, witness statements, and police reports for discrepancies.
* Writing an authoritative article on the media gag rule and outsider access to prisoners on death row.
* Assisting in preparing litigation outlines and chronologies.
* Drafting memorandum on admissibility of evidence of gang affiliation.
CAP is committed to cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. For interested applicants, send us a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for 2 references who are familiar with your work. California Appellate Project is committed to cultivating a new generation of criminal defense attorneys. CAP recruits a small number of students for the summer of 2027. We ask internship applicants to relate how their experience, training and work history have prepared them to understand and work well with the clients we serve and their communities.