2

Entry Level Correction Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corrections Officer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

The Corrections Officer is an entry level employee, who operates under close supervision to provide safety, security, and welfare of inmates, colleagues, staff, and the public in a building/section ...

The basic requirement for Entry Level, Correctional Officer I positions is no experience to one (1) year working in any Tribal, County, State or Federal Correctional Facility. * The basic requirement ...

Do you want an entry-level role that offers room for career growth and advancement? If so, consider becoming part of our dedicated team at Cass County North Dakota as a full-time Correctional Officer ...

The basic requirement for Entry Level, Correctional Officer I positions is no experience to one (1) year working in any Tribal, County, State or Federal Correctional Facility. * The basic requirement ...

Correctional Officer

Fargo, ND ยท On-site

$55K/yr

Do you want an entry-level role that offers room for career growth and advancement? If so, consider becoming part of our dedicated team at Cass County North Dakota as a full-time Correctional Officer ...

Correctional Officer

Urbana, IL ยท On-site

$51K/yr

Champaign County/Correctional Officer (Sheriff) Date Posted: 4/18/2023 Location: 502 S. Lierman ... Detailed information about the testing process for the entry level test. * Opportunity to take ...

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER Do you have what it takes to be successful in this challenging, yet rewarding ... Detailed information about the testing process for the entry level test. * Opportunity to take ...

Once you join the FDC, many career advancement opportunities are available, from an entry-level Correctional Officer to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Colonel. From there, management ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Correction Officer information

See salary details

$31.5K

$63K

$99.5K

How much do entry level correction officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level correction officer in the United States is $62,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level correction officers?

Entry level correction 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 duties include maintaining order and security within the facility, enforcing rules and regulations, supervising inmate activities, and conducting inspections to prevent contraband. Entry level officers often undergo specialized training and work under the supervision of more experienced staff as they learn the responsibilities of the job. This role can be challenging but is essential for ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff.

What is the difference between Entry Level Correction Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level Correction OfficerCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentPrison or jail facilities, security-focusedPrison or jail facilities, security-focused
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in correctional facilitiesMid-level position, often with more experience or responsibilities

Entry Level Correction Officers are typically new to the correctional field, performing basic security and supervision duties. Correctional Officers may have more experience or responsibilities but share similar work environments and credential requirements. Both roles are essential in maintaining safety within correctional facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Correction Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Correction Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of correctional facility procedures, and the ability to pass physical and background checks. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment help officers effectively interact with inmates and maintain order. These skills are vital for ensuring safety, compliance, and a secure environment within correctional facilities.

What are some common challenges entry level correction officers face during their first year on the job?

Entry level correction officers often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the structured environment, managing interactions with inmates, and handling the stress that comes with ensuring safety and security. Building strong communication and conflict resolution skills is essential, as is learning to follow strict protocols and procedures. New officers may also face shift work and long hours, but support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training can help ease the transition.
More about Entry Level Correction Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Correction Officer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Correction Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correction Officer jobs? The most popular types of Correction Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Correction Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Correction Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Correction Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,965 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Corrections Officer

Travis County, TX

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $58,349.50 - $65,672.88 Annually
Location : Austin, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-10742
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
Career Promotional Opportunities:
Corrections Officer: $58,349.50 year/ $4,862.46 month
Corrections Officer Step 1: $60,099.99 year/ $5,008.33 month (End of 1st year; successful completion of Academy) Corrections Officer Sr: $62,936.41 year/$5,244.70 month (End of 2nd year; successful completion of promotional exam)
We have many specialized units within the Corrections Bureau that will allow you to gain additional experience and training.
As a Senior Corrections Officer, you are eligible to apply to be part of one of our specialized units.
If you are an experienced corrections officer, please review salary information below:
5+ years of experience w/intermediate license or higher: $61,099.99/year.
After hire, if eligible for Sr. CO: $64,824.51/year
10+ years of experience w/advanced license or higher: $65,672.88/year.
After hire, if eligible for Sr. CO: $68,772.32/year.
For additional information, please visit:
Are you seeking a rewarding career that challenges you, provides an exciting work experience and makes a difference in our community?
The Corrections Officer position is for you! The Corrections Officer is an entry level employee, who operates under close supervision to provide safety, security, and welfare of inmates, colleagues, staff, and the public in a building/section jail post.
After completion of Field Training Officer (FTO) training, the Corrections Officer advances to directly supervising inmates and is engaged in all functions related to welfare, safety, and security of the inmate housing unit assigned. Performs other ancillary duties assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a job classification within the POPS Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) job family. This classification represents an entry level corrections position within the department. This classification requires work in secure facilities. This classification requires a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Responsible for assisting the Post Officers and performing duties away from the post to ensure the smooth operation of the building/section.
  • Assists and supports the Post Officers by procuring supplies, delivering paperwork, responding to assistance calls, etc.
  • Assists with mail, commissary, laundry, and other activities at appropriate times.
  • Assists with inmate searches and cell searches as needed.
  • Assists with inmate counts as needed. Updates and prints new count sheets, moves lists and other lists each day. Documents statistical data as required.
  • Assists in meal distribution as needed.
  • Assists in attempting to resolve inmate requests and complaints.
  • Responsible for the cleanliness, maintenance and security of the building and grounds.
  • Conducts cleanup detail as assigned.
  • Notes security breaches/concerns.
  • Conducts outside perimeter security checks of the building/section at least once per shift, checking for damage or maintenance concerns, as well as for inmates tampering with windows, doors, walls, etc. in possible escape attempts.
  • Conducts and monitors recreation and special inmate work details when applicable.
  • Responsible for taking appropriate actions for all rule infractions such as counseling and reporting.
  • Escorts and/or processes inmates into and out of the units as needed, and monitors inmate movement; ensures inmates arrive at court/programs on time and in appropriate attire.
  • Escorts official visitors and other visitors within the building/section.
  • Monitors religious services and programs that occur within the building.
  • Rotates assignments for other staff members.
  • Responds to crisis situations such as fights, fire alarms, medical emergencies, etc. according to policy and procedure.
  • Maintains information logs, assigned and unassigned equipment such as keys, radios, vehicles etc.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
Must be a US Citizen.
Must be 20 years of age, 21 years of age for armed assignments.
High school Diploma or GED.
Must qualify with weapon annually in accordance with TCSO standards.
Must meet the Physical Readiness Testing requirements according to TCSO policy.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Must attain a Jailer's License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within one (1) year of initial employment with TCSO.
Possess a valid Drivers' License.
Must be able to obtain a State of Texas driver's license within 90 days.
If you are a current TCSO employee, you must attach the following to the online application in order to be considered:
A Letter of Intent
Resume
PREA Form
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
  • Laws, regulations and procedures governing custody of persons.
  • Penal Code, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Family Code, Civil statutes, Regulatory Agency Codes, Texas Jail Standards.
  • Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
  • Practices and procedures involved in jail management.
  • Local laws, ordinances and the TCOLE standards and procedures pertaining to the commitment, confinement and release of prisoners.

Skill in:
  • Operating basic computer equipment to include online searches, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages, including small office equipment or multiline telephones.
  • Use of detention and other law enforcement equipment.
  • Basic conflict resolution and community relations.
  • Clear and concise verbal and written communication.

Ability to:
  • Work as a team member within a diverse organization.
  • Read and understand basic legal documents.
  • Interact with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
  • Perform under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
  • Maintain discipline and order in the jail.
  • Make decisions and take prompt action in emergency situations.
  • Prepare and maintain routine records and logs.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
  • Take physical control of another person.

Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, jogging, running, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.
Subject to stressful environment and client and customer contact for extended periods of time. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Job may involve danger due to contact with criminals and suspects.
Must be able to lift and wear an approximately 40 pound Self Contained breathing apparatus for emergencies during fires; and must be able to partially lift and drag an average weight person of 150 lbs., a distance of 75 feet for the evacuation of individuals unable to assist themselves during emergencies; must be able to physically restrain hostile and combative subjects; must be able to participate in defensive tactics training and annual refresher training. Must be able to work any shift and must be able to communicate in clear English during emergencies.
Special ADA Physical Statement:
Vision: Must have sufficient vision without glasses to defend self and others and perform mandatory life safety functions. Dual vision is required. All officers are required to take and pass vision tests each year. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with uncorrected vision of 20/200 or better. Corrected visual acuity should be at least 20/20 (both eyes) and 20/40 (each eye). For applicants who have completed refractive surgery to correct vision, the operating physician must complete a Corrected Vision Surgical Form.
Hearing: Must have normal hearing in both ears. Hearing sensitivity thresholds are within 25 dB measured at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000Hz and 3000Hz averaged together. If a person does not have normal hearing a medical specialist evaluation is required in order for the candidate to be considered for hire.
Seizure Disorder: Uncontrolled seizures of any kind are disqualifying. Applicants with a history of a seizure must be able to control the disorder by medication, be seizure free for one year and sign the Notification, understanding and commitment.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
****** MULTIPLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE!******
Work Hours: Shift work to include holidays, nights, and weekends.
Department: Travis County Sheriff Office
Location: Austin, TX
For updates or questions on this position, contact:
TCOLE exam required, Physical and Psychological Exam, Drug and Alcohol Test, Criminal, Credit, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
Benefits
Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.
FY2026 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union
Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit
Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program
Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations
Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic
Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays
An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Insurance
Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Supplemental Life, AD&D
  • Dependent Life
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Long Term Care

New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
Longevity
Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
Parking
A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays
Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays
April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday
October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.
Retirement
Travis County is a member of the Texas County & D