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Entry Level Correctional Officer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Correctional Officer information

See Oregon salary details

$30.7K

$57.1K

$79.3K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level correctional officer in Oregon is $57,101.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level correctional officer do?

An entry level correctional officer is responsible for maintaining security and order within a correctional facility, such as a jail or prison. Their duties typically include supervising inmates, conducting inspections, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. They also assist in inmate transportation and support rehabilitation efforts. Entry level officers work under the supervision of more experienced staff and are trained to handle a variety of situations to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level correctional officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and knowledge of security protocols and safety procedures. Familiarity with facility monitoring systems, incident reporting software, and sometimes CPR or first aid certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help build trust and ensure effective communication with inmates and staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, order, and a secure environment within correctional facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level correctional officers, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level correctional officers often encounter challenging situations such as managing inmate behavior, responding to emergencies, and maintaining safety and order within the facility. Adapting to shift work and the structured environment can also be demanding. Preparing for these challenges involves developing strong communication skills, physical fitness, and resilience under pressure. Many agencies provide thorough training programs and mentorship opportunities to help new officers gain confidence and handle complex situations effectively.

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

AspectEntry Level Correctional OfficerCorrectional Officer
QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic trainingSame as entry level, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentPrison or jail facilities, security-focusedSame as entry level, with increased responsibilities
Job DutiesMonitoring inmates, enforcing rules, reporting incidentsSame duties, potentially overseeing more complex situations

Entry Level Correctional Officers and Correctional Officers share similar qualifications, work environments, and job duties. The main difference is experience level, with correctional officers typically having more experience and responsibilities. Both roles focus on maintaining security and order within correctional facilities.

Can you be an entry level correctional officer without experience?

Entry level correctional officers typically do not need prior experience, as training is provided on the job and through certification programs. However, having a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication skills can improve chances of hiring. Some agencies may prefer or require background checks and basic physical fitness assessments before employment.

How easy is it to get hired as an entry level correctional officer?

Getting hired as an entry-level correctional officer typically involves meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing a training academy. Job openings can vary based on location and agency needs, but candidates with good communication skills and a clean record generally have a better chance of being hired promptly.

How to become an entry level correctional officer?

To become an entry-level correctional officer, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check and drug screening, and complete a training academy or correctional officer training program. Some positions may require passing written exams and physical fitness tests, and candidates should be at least 18 or 21 years old depending on the jurisdiction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Officer jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Correctional Officer jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Correctional Officer jobs in Oregon?

For Entry Level Correctional Officer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Entry Level Correctional Officer jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Entry Level Correctional Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Correctional Officer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,101 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Correctional Officer - Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (Pendleton) Relocation Assistance

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Pendleton, OR • On-site

$5.8K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Oregon Youth Authority rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Initial Posting Date:

08/21/2026

Application Deadline:

/

Agency:

Department of Corrections

Salary Range:

$5,872 - $7,980

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Correctional Officer - Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (Pendleton) Relocation Assistance

Job Description:

Correctional Officer, Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (Pendleton) Relocation AssistanceOregon Department of Corrections

About the Job - Your Role

Are you looking for a career that will challenge your personal fitness, intellect, and maturity? What if your work environment could include various tasks allowing you to gain insight on yourself and others? Becoming a Correctional Officer may be the way to fulfill those goals!

As a Correctional Officer, you will set limits, provide good role model examples, and assist in facilitating positive change in the lives of adults in custody(AIC).

This announcement is for Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Oregon. DOC offers many positions across Oregon - locations include Ontario, Wilsonville, Madras, Salem, Tillamook, Pendleton, Umatilla, Portland, and Lakeview.If you are interested in additional locations, you will need to apply to announcements that are specific to that facility.

  • Relocation Assistance: Relocation costs may be paid in some cases. Please contact recruitment for further information.

By completing the application and successfully passing the NTN React test, you are securing your spot on the waitlist for future openings at this location.

Once hired, you will begin by attending the Basic Corrections Course (BCC). Your training is on-the-job, meaning you will start earning a paycheck during your training! Previous correctional experience is not a requirement. We invest in training and educating YOU, if you have the right personal attributes! At DOC we are looking for people with the right integrity, passion for helping others, and motivation. This position is an entry level position.

Your first year is considered to be a probationary period including the BCC (seven-weeks training in our academy course, this training is eligible for college credit towards your degree), classroom training, online courses, health and fitness classes, force skills training, and a comprehensive Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP). BCC is certified by the Department of Public Safety and Standards Training (DPSST). For the duration of the probationary period, work hours, shifts, and days offwill vary based on the needs of the institution.

All Correctional Officer positions are union represented - training, work hours, breaks, days off, etc. will be determined by your institution's labor contract. Once the probationary period is completed, work shifts and days offmay be subject to a bid process in accordance with the applicable labor contract.


Minimum Qualifications

Department of Corrections : Minimum Qualifications for a Correctional Officer : Careers : State of Oregon

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • United States citizen
  • Meet DPSST Physical Standards
  • Possess reading comprehension, report writing, and retention abilities
  • Satisfactorily complete an ODOC background investigation OAR 259-008-0015

Special Qualifications

  • Must pass NTN test with a minimum score of 70 percent in all areas
  • Good employee work history
  • Have a history of law abiding behavior OAR 259-008-0070
  • Pass a psychological evaluation and risk assessment as required by HB 2936
  • No evidence of substance abuse
  • Proficient using computers
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • All applicants for, and employees in this classification/position, shall be subject to testing for the use of prohibited drugs

Required and Requested Skills

The National Testing Network also provides dimensional ratings on applicants. We review for the following:

  • Good ratings
    • Working as a team member
    • Ability to effectively take control of situations
    • Cooperative in supporting management's goals
    • Making choices reflecting good integrity
    • Ability to support and communicate with other staff
  • Acceptable ratings
    • Use of grammar and understanding of written content.
  • Low risk ratings
    • Of being unprofessionally involved with offenders
    • Conducting yourself in abrasive style and miss use of authority
    • Experience in a public safety occupation

In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview.

Nature of the Work

As a Correctional Officer, you will work in a team setting to maintain order within the institutions, enforcing rules and regulations while providing care to ensure safety and security. You will help adults in custody be orderly and obey agency guidelines and standards while monitoring their activities and supervising their work assignments. Cell checks and searches of adults in custody and their living quarters for contraband, settling disputes, and enforcing discipline are often required. Observing, inspecting, and reporting of safety, sanitary, and fire hazard are routine.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system, welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunities to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.

Benefits

The salary range listed above is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:

  • Family health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
  • 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
  • Optional short and long-term disability
  • Term life insurance
  • Fully paid retirement program
  • Oregon Saving Growth Plan
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
  • And more

Additional applicable incentives:

  • Possible 5% differential for foreign language proficiency
  • 4% SWAT Member (eligible to try out after trial service completion)
  • 4% Crisis Negotiation Team (eligible to try out after trial service completion)
  • 4% Field Training Officer (eligible to apply after trial service completion)
  • Shift differential - based on union, employees shall be paid shift differential for shifts which starts between the hours of 12 noon and 3:00 a.m.

About the Process

Department of Corrections : Application Instructions for Correctional Officer Positions : Careers : State of Oregon

Requirements for Employment

The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, any felony conviction will disqualify you for this position. Applicants will be subject to a Computerized Criminal History and Motor Vehicles check as well as background investigation. Adverse background information may be grounds for disqualification. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. If you have questions about whether or not your criminal record could disqualify for you, please contact the recruiter for more information.

Additional Information - Please monitor your Workday and email accounts. You may be contacted through Workday or have additional tasks to complete.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Additional information can be found from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Know Your Rights.

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for complying with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA 42 U.S.C. 1997). PREA prohibits the Oregon Department of Corrections from hiring, promoting, or contracting with anyone, (that will have direct contact with residents), who has engaged in, been convicted of, or been civilly or administratively adjudicated for engaging in sexual abuse in confinement settings. Learn more about PREA.

Veterans' and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Please note - if you are a veteran, you will receive a task in Workday to upload your documents immediately after you submit your initial application.

Questions

If you have questions about the position, selection process, or need accommodations to participate in the recruitment process please contact the recruiter and reference the requisition number.

Recruiter: Jeana Jeffries, Jeana.M.Jeffries@doc.oregon.gov

  • Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity. You may lose progress on your application.
  • Workday performs weekly maintenance Friday evenings, and the system may be down for several hours.
  • ODOC does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
  • This applicant list may be used to fill future vacancies. Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
  • This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The pay and benefits on all announcements may change without notice.

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