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How much do department corrections jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for department corrections in the United States is $57,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in a Department of Corrections facility?

Correctional officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety and security within the facility, managing confrontational situations, and balancing firmness with empathy when interacting with inmates. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure, as officers must enforce rules while also supporting rehabilitation efforts. Working in shifts, including nights and weekends, is common, and teamwork with other staff members is essential to ensure a safe environment for both personnel and inmates.

What are Department of Corrections officers?

Department of Corrections officers, also known as 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 a jail, prison, or other correctional facility. Their main duties include maintaining order and security, enforcing rules and regulations, preventing disturbances, and ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates. They may also escort inmates, conduct searches, and monitor facility conditions. Correctional officers play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by helping to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public.

What is the difference between Department Corrections vs Probation Officer?

AspectDepartment CorrectionsProbation Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles require correctional officer certificationBachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field
Work EnvironmentPrison facilities, detention centers, correctional institutionsCommunity settings, courts, probation offices
Employer & IndustryState or federal correctional agenciesCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies

Department Corrections roles focus on managing incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities, ensuring security and order. Probation Officers supervise offenders in community settings, monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions. While both roles serve the criminal justice system, Department Corrections staff work primarily inside prisons, whereas Probation Officers work in the community to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Department of Corrections Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Department of Corrections Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic law enforcement knowledge, and training in correctional procedures. Familiarity with security systems, incident reporting software, and communication devices is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers manage inmate behavior and maintain safety. These skills are vital for enforcing rules, ensuring security, and fostering a safe environment for both staff and inmates.
What cities are hiring for Department Corrections jobs? Cities with the most Department Corrections job openings:
What states have the most Department Corrections jobs? States with the most job openings for Department Corrections jobs include:
Department Corrections jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Corrections job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,518 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Corrections Officer Juvenile Services - Full Time/Part Time- CORRECTIONS

Corrections Officer Juvenile Services - Full Time/Part Time- CORRECTIONS

Sedgwick County

Wichita, KS • On-site

$22.57/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Sedgwick County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

496th of 646 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Department: Corrections
Pay: $22.57 per hour
Work Schedule: Various Hours/Various Days, Including Holidays, Weekends, and some Overtime may be required.
Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.
Performs routine work involving the observation, security, and supervision of clients in a 24-hour correctional or residential facility. Monitors client activities within the facility or, as approved, outside the facility, with emphasis on security, behavior change, leadership, and modeling of prosocial attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors.
Direct Care Supervision
  • Supervise and monitor the care and security of clients in detention or residential facilities
  • Lead recreation, instructional, or educational activities
  • Conduct searches of clients in facilities.
  • Review reports and other communications to maintain awareness of activities within the facility and its clients.

Client Management
  • Investigate incidents, initiate consequences when clients violate rules, write disciplinary reports, and supervise the application of consequences.
  • Recognize positive behaviors and acknowledges with incentives.
  • Assist in providing situational counseling for clients regarding their behavior to help them cope with program requirements.
  • Provide crisis intervention or suicide prevention and application of approved emergency intervention or restraint when appropriate
  • Administer and documents first aid and medication provided to clients.

Direct Care Monitoring
  • Escort/transport clients to and from school, court, visitation, meals, and other activities; engage in other communication necessary to monitor activities of clients in the community.
  • Inspect facility living areas to ensure doors, windows, and other areas are secure to prevent unauthorized departure and to promote facility security.

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of three (3) earned college credits in adolescent development, psychology, criminal justice or a related subject. Transcript verifying education credits is required. Must be at least 21 years of age. Per Sedgwick County Policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver's license without restrictions. Pass legal background check, Child and Adult Abuse & Neglect Central Registry checks, KCJIS Security Policy (fingerprint) check, and pre-employment screenings. Must also meet the required conditions contained in KSA 65-516 and KAR 28-4-356(d), (1-5).
Preferred Qualifications: Two years' experience working with youth and families. Professional references are required to verify the related work experience. Associate of Arts (AA) degree with related course work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or related field. Transcript verifying education credits is required.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link. Apply for a Job | Sedgwick County, Kansas

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