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Detention Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The GEO Group

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$50.04/hr

Overview Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working ...

New

The GEO Group

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

San Diego, CA · On-site

$38.49/hr

Benefits Information The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without ...

The GEO Group

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$45.04/hr

Overview Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working ...

The GEO Group

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$45.04/hr

Overview Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working ...

The GEO Group

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

San Diego, CA · On-site

$38.49/hr

Overview Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working ...

The GEO Group

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$45.04/hr

Overview Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working ...

County of Contra Costa

CA

$220K - $250K/yr

Detention Health is an integral part of Contra Costa Health, playing a vital role in supporting the overall health and well-being of our community. We are seeking dedicated physicians to join our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDetention JobsDetention Jobs in California

Detention information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$49.5K

$78.5K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in California is $49,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $54,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention officer?

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.

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

The most popular types of Detention jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Detention jobs?

Cities in California with the most Detention job openings:

Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,498 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

P/T DETENTION OFFICER

The GEO Group

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$50.04/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 43 rated prisons

Job description

Overview
Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.
Who We Are:
GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.
Why Work for GEO:
  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities
In this job, you will:
  • Supervise and monitor detainees in living, recreation, dining, and visitation areas.
  • Coordinate their movement (conducting counts and providing emergency response as needed).
  • Make sure program activities stay safe and supervise labor crews.
  • Conduct shakedowns for contraband materials (by yourself or with your team) and confiscate prohibited items as per policies and procedures.
  • Keep daily logs on detainees (including disciplinary reports).
  • Provide prompt and appropriate assistance to those who have been injured, ill, or have suffered trauma.
  • Report any maintenance or repair needs to keep your facility clean.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent certification required.
  • College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred.
  • Possession of applicable state requisites for employment.
  • Ability to work overtime as required.
  • Ability to handle physical and mental stress associated with working extended hours.
  • Must be able to regularly report to work without being late.
  • Ability to be physically alert on any shift that is assigned.
  • Ability to work up to sixteen (16) hours within a rolling twenty-four (24) hour period.
  • Work experience in a correctional setting preferred.
  • May be required to possess valid state driver's license.
  • Must be mature, flexible, able to command the respect and confidence of inmates or detainees and staff and possess a high tolerance to mental stress.

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