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Detention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Albany County Wyoming

Detention Deputy

Laramie, WY · On-site

$53K/yr

Albany County is seeking to hire a Detention Deputy in the Sheriff's Office. This position is a full-time, benefited position that will perform routine duties in connection with the Albany County ...

Alamance County, NC

Detention Officer

Graham, NC · On-site

$54K/yr

Detention Officers play a vital part in maintaining facility safety and security, preventing and detecting criminal activity, and upholding the criminal laws of North Carolina. Responsibilities ...

Harris County, TX

Detention Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Detention Sergeant - responsible for supervising detention officers assigned to their area. * Detention Lieutenant - responsible for supervising all personnel assigned to their shift. * Detention ...

Harris County

Detention Officer

Houston, TX

$46K/yr

Detention Lieutenant - responsible for supervising all personnel assigned to their shift. Detention Captain - responsible for supervising all personnel assigned to their facility. The Detention ...

Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ

Detention Officer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$21.19/hr

DETENTION SERVICES Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Job Summary The Detention Officer enforces rules and regulations governing the operation of the Pascua Yaqui Detention facility and the confinement, safety ...

City of Frisco

Detention Officer

Frisco, TX · On-site

$43K - $60K/yr

Under general supervision of the Detention Supervisor, or designee, the Detention Officer performs all duties necessary for the successful operation of the Detention Facility. Executes booking ...

Albany County Government

Detention Deputy

Laramie, WY · On-site

$53K/yr

Albany County is seeking to hire a Detention Deputy in the Sheriff's Office. This position is a full-time, benefited position that will perform routine duties in connection with the Albany County ...

Grant County, NM

Detention Officer

Silver City, NM · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Detention Center Opening Date: 03/16/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary Under the direction of the Detention Center Administration, the Detention Officer is expected to ensure the health ...

Saline County Arkansas

Detention Sergeant

Benton, AR · On-site

$45K - $49K/yr

Detention Lieutenant Location: 735 S Neeley St, Benton, AR 72015 Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and ...

Grant, County of (NM)

Detention Officer

Silver City, NM · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Job Summary Under the direction of the Detention Center Administration, the Detention Officer is expected to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the detainees and the continuous safety and ...

New Hanover County

Detention Officer

Wilmington, NC

$23.07/hr

Detention Officers are responsible for performing duties relative to the safety, security, and detention of inmates at the New Hanover County Detention Facility. Duties include Processing incoming ...

Albany County, Wyoming

Detention Deputy

Laramie, WY

Albany County is seeking to hire a Detention Deputy in the Sheriff's Office. This position is a full-time, benefited position that will perform routine duties in connection with the Albany County ...

Saline County Arkansas

Detention Lieutenant

Benton, AR · On-site

$54K - $60K/yr

Detention Captain Location: 735 S Neeley Street, Benton, AR 72015 Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and ...

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Detention information

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$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in the United States is $50,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $55,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Detention jobs?

Cities with the most Detention job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention jobs?

The most popular types of Detention jobs are:

What states have the most Detention jobs?

States with the most job openings for Detention jobs include:

Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Detention Deputy

Albany County Wyoming

Laramie, WY • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Albany County is seeking to hire a Detention Deputy in the Sheriff's Office. This position is a full-time, benefited position that will perform routine duties in connection with the Albany County Detention Center. At this time, there are several positions open and the posting will remain open until filled.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • 21 years of age;
  • Valid Driver's License;
  • A U.S Citizen;
  • No previous Felony convictions.

Please note that Detention Deputies must receive certification from the State of Wyoming within the first year of hire so being physically fit and passing all the requirements from POST is required.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in institutional, police or military service;
  • Completion of college level correctional and/or human relations courses or any comparable combination of experience and training;
  • Post Certified;
  • Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to the operation of the County Detention Center;
  • Knowledge of institutional management practices, including the care and custody of inmates;
  • Previous experience supervising and managing prisoners
  • Experience working with the public, keep records and make reports,
  • Basic computer and keyboarding skills.

Detention Deputies will be responsible for the following:
  • Booking and searches prisoners, issues clothing and assigns quarters;
  • Protects prisoners from each other and from themselves;
  • Arranges for hospital and medical care of prisoners when necessary;
  • Transports prisoners to hospitals, institutions and court;
  • Maintains records and makes reports as required;
  • Inspects prisoners' quarters to detect possession by prisoners of any unauthorized objects;
  • Leads in the feeding of prisoners and counts eating utensils;
  • Escorts prisoners to and from jail cells;
  • Releases prisoners as directed by higher authority;
  • Assists nursing staff as they administer medication to inmates at the proper time and in the proper dosage as prescribed by a physician;
  • Cleans jail complex and offices;
  • Occasionally performs extraditions and provides legal testimony;
  • Supervises inmates during visitation periods;
  • Occasionally performs service functions such as arranging tutors, mental health counselors, and religious services for inmates;
  • Serves warrants and summons when needed;
  • Processes inmate's property and mail;
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

About the Position:
The work of this position involves a variety of duties connected with the operation of the Detention Center, and the safety and security of inmates. The Detention Division has a Lieutenant as the Jail Administrator, a Sergeant as the Assistant Jail Administrator, and four Corporals as shift supervisors. The Lieutenant and Sergeant are responsible for the overall operation of the Detention Center as well as all personnel issues and actions which would affect the Detention Division. The Corporals are responsible for the supervision, staffing, and duties of the shift to which they are assigned.
This position is also available to participate in extra assignments such as high angle team (Rock climbing), underwater dive and recovery team, Search and Rescue teams and operation of rescue equipment such as snowcat, snowmobile, ATVS and side by sides.
Patrol Deputy positions will be filled from current Detention Deputy positions.
Salary Range: $53,000 as a probationary, non-certified employee.
Albany County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We will conduct background investigations for the final candidate being considered for employment.

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