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Federal Prison Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of South Carolina

NCCER Instructor

Greenwood, SC · On-site

$47K - $60K/yr

Job Responsibilities The NCCER Instructor will teach carpentry to incarcerated inmates at the Federal Prison in Edgefield, South Caroline. Minimum and Additional Requirements NCCER certified with a ...

KurzSolutions

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Fort Dix, NJ · On-site

$27 - $36.50/hr

It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A satellite prison camp houses minimum-security male inmates. FCI Fort Dix is located in Burlington County on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. It is ...

UHealthSolutions Inc

Care Coordinator - Full Time

Butner, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

FMC Butner is a United States federal prison in North Carolina for male inmates of all security levels who have special health needs. It is part of the Butner Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Butner ...

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$29.5K

$59.1K

$87.5K

How much do federal prison jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prison in the United States is $59,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Federal Prison Jobs?

Federal prison jobs include a wide variety of positions focused on overseeing and providing services to inmates. Aside from the well-known correctional officer and guard positions, federal prisons also employ dentists, nurses, psychologists, physicians, secretaries, electronic technicians, and many other professionals. What all of these careers have in common is that they're government jobs, so you must uphold the expectations of justice, respond to orders from a court, and otherwise provide a high standard of care and service for each inmate. Outside of the government, some federal prison workers come from non-profit organizations. For example, you can find prison chaplain positions through religious non-profit groups.

What's the highest paying job in prison?

In prisons, the highest paying jobs are typically administrative or specialized roles such as prison guards, healthcare professionals, or maintenance supervisors, which may offer higher wages compared to basic inmate labor. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or experience and may include benefits or overtime pay.

How to work in federal prison?

To work in a federal prison, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete required training provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Positions may include correctional officer, administrative staff, or healthcare worker, each requiring specific qualifications and sometimes security clearances. Applicants should review job postings on official government employment sites for detailed requirements and application procedures.

Is working at a federal prison a good job?

Working at a federal prison as a correctional officer or staff member can offer stable employment, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. However, it involves working in a high-stress environment with safety risks and requires adherence to strict protocols and security procedures.

What is the difference between Federal Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectFederal PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; security clearanceHigh school diploma or GED; training certification; background check
Work EnvironmentSecure federal facility housing inmatesSupervises inmates within correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryFederal Bureau of PrisonsFederal, state, or private correctional facilities
Job RoleOversees inmate management, security, and facility operationsMonitors inmate behavior, enforces rules, and maintains safety

While a Federal Prison is a secure facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for supervising inmates within such facilities. Correctional Officers work inside federal prisons to ensure safety, security, and order. The roles are closely linked, with correctional officers being essential staff within federal prisons.

What are federal prisons?

Federal prisons are correctional facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in the United States. They house individuals who have been convicted of violating federal laws, as opposed to state laws. Federal prisons vary in security levels, from minimum to high security, and are located throughout the country. Inmates may be incarcerated for offenses such as drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, or other federal crimes. These facilities provide incarceration, rehabilitation, and various programs to inmates.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in federal prisons?

Correctional officers in federal prisons often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, ensuring safety and security within the facility, and maintaining professionalism under stressful conditions. They may also face emotionally demanding situations, including conflict resolution and responding to emergencies. Building effective communication skills and teamwork with other officers and staff is essential to handle these challenges and foster a safe environment for both inmates and personnel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Correctional Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Correctional Officer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of security procedures. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and emergency response protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and conflict-resolution abilities help officers handle challenging situations and maintain safety. These skills ensure the security of the facility, the well-being of inmates and staff, and the effective enforcement of regulations.

How much do federal prisons pay?

Federal prison jobs, such as correctional officers, typically pay between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. Additional benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave, with opportunities for overtime and career advancement.
More about Federal Prison jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Prison jobs? Cities with the most Federal Prison job openings:
What states have the most Federal Prison jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Prison jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Prison jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Prison jobs are:
Federal Prison jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Prison job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,075 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
NCCER Instructor

NCCER Instructor

State of South Carolina

Greenwood, SC • On-site

$47K - $60K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Responsibilities The NCCER Instructor will teach carpentry to incarcerated inmates at the Federal Prison in Edgefield, South Caroline. Minimum and Additional Requirements NCCER certified with a current Certificate. Pass a criminal background and a credit check with the Federal Correction Institute with the Bureau of Prisons.

Additional Comments Please review Agency Specific Application procedures for our required application procedures that include attaching a letter of interest, a current resume, and copies of transcripts to the application. We regret that due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to candidates individually regarding the status of their application or the status of the interview process.

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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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