1

Federal Prison Teaching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCCER Instructor

Greenwood, SC · On-site

$25.25 - $34.25/hr

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 ...

NCCER Instructor

Greenwood, SC · On-site

$25.25 - $34.25/hr

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 ...

Teacher

Pekin, IL · On-site +1

$57K - $82K/yr

Must select appropriate individualized teaching techniques which may include individual guidance ... of Prisons institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Federal Prison Teaching information

See salary details

$8

$41

$87

How much do federal prison teaching jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal prison teaching in the United States is $41.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $58.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal prison teacher?

A federal prison teacher is an educator who works within the federal prison system to provide educational programs to incarcerated individuals. Their responsibilities typically include teaching basic literacy, GED preparation, vocational skills, and sometimes college-level courses. The goal is to help inmates gain knowledge and skills that can assist in their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. Federal prison teachers also play a role in fostering a positive learning environment and supporting inmates’ personal growth. This position requires patience, strong communication skills, and often a teaching certification.

What unique challenges might I face when teaching in a federal prison, and how can I prepare for them?

Teaching in a federal prison can present unique challenges such as navigating strict security protocols, adapting lesson plans to diverse educational backgrounds, and fostering engagement in a highly regulated environment. You may also encounter students with varying literacy levels and limited access to resources. Preparation involves being flexible, maintaining clear communication with correctional staff, and developing culturally sensitive and adaptable teaching strategies. Building trust and rapport, while maintaining professional boundaries, is key to creating a positive learning environment.

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

To thrive as a Federal Prison Teacher, you generally need a bachelor's degree in education or a relevant subject area, along with state teaching certification and sometimes specialized training in correctional education. Familiarity with learning management systems, adaptive educational software, and security protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, patience, and the ability to maintain boundaries and motivate diverse learners are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure effective instruction, safety, and positive rehabilitation outcomes in the unique and challenging environment of a federal correctional facility.

What is the difference between Federal Prison Teaching vs Federal Correctional Officer?

AspectFederal Prison TeachingFederal Correctional Officer
Required CredentialsTeaching certification, degree in education or related fieldHigh school diploma or GED, training certification
Work EnvironmentClassrooms within federal prisons, educational facilitiesPrison facilities, security posts, inmate housing areas
Employer & Industry UsageFederal Bureau of Prisons, educational programsFederal Bureau of Prisons, security and safety operations

Federal Prison Teaching focuses on providing education to inmates within federal prisons, requiring teaching credentials and working in educational settings. In contrast, Federal Correctional Officers are responsible for security and safety within prisons, requiring security training and working in security environments. Both roles are essential in the federal correctional system but differ significantly in duties and qualifications.

More about Federal Prison Teaching jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Prison Teaching jobs? Cities with the most Federal Prison Teaching job openings:
What states have the most Federal Prison Teaching jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Prison Teaching jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Prison Teaching job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,690 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Carpentry)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Marianna, FL • On-site, Remote

$63K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Serves as a training instructor in a vocational or occupational training program in the Education Department of a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional facility and may also serve as a program coordinator for other vocational/occupational training programs.
Selects and/or develops curriculums which focus on the appropriate vocational training area.
This position has direct responsibility for the delivery of classroom training for vocational and apprenticeship courses in the field/trade of Carpentry.
Develops a curriculum design and record-keeping system to organize and track student progress through identified course work.
Ensures the training program(s) are implemented and delivered in compliance with Bureau policies, Department of Labor, and Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training regulations, and the standards established by other certifying agencies and organizations.
Serve as apprenticeship program coordinator with responsibility for coordinating the various occupational training programs and classes, as well as responsibilities which include development, review and evaluation of the vocational trades program.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Selective Service Requirement: http://www.sss.gov

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  • 1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
  • 2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  • 3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility:
    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP or ICTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Basic Requirements:
Education:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study education or a subject area related to the position to be filled.
OR
Specialized Experience:
GL-09 and GS-11: Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge of the subject area of the position and of the methods and techniques of instruction. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
  • Teaching or instructing in an adult education program, secondary school, college, military installation, or industrial establishment in the appropriate field(s).
  • Supervising or administering a training program.
  • Development or review of training/course materials, aids, devices, etc., and evaluation of training results.
  • Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.

AND
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements, applicants must have the following:
Education:
GL-09: A Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B OR J.D., if related.
GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - education or a subject area related to the position to be filled.
OR
Experience:
GL-09 and GS-11: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position, and demonstrated a practical knowledge of the subject area of the position, and of the methods and techniques of instruction.
Some examples of this qualifying experience could be:
GL-09:
  • Experience in developing curriculum and individualized learning plans for higher levels of learning .
  • Experience in assisting in developing programs and providing instruction to students from significantly varying backgrounds in a correctional setting.
  • Experience in following standardized curricula and lesson plans to meet the needs of students.

GS-11:
  • Experience in teaching with full and primary responsibility for classroom instruction.
  • Experience in supervising or administering a training program.
  • Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.

OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
GL-09 and GS-11: A combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.
AND
Selective Placement Factor:
GL-09 and GS-11: Applicants applying for this position MUST also possess the following Selective Factor. In the event that you do not possess the Selective Factor, you will be found ineligible for the position.
GL-09:
Certification Requirements:
  • a. The applicant must possess and maintain a current, valid industry-recognized carpentry instructor credential (e.g., National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Instructor Certification, Home Builders Institute (HBI) Instructor Certification, United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Instructor credential, or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) training certification) appropriate to the program's instructional model. Instruction must be limited to the scope of competencies and curriculum standards authorized by the credentialing organization.
  • b. A current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 10 (Construction)) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 30 (Construction Safety)) certifications.

AND
Work Experience:
  • a. Minimum of two (2) years of verifiable experience, held within the past four (4) years, in the carpentry field, including working in residential and/or commercial construction settings performing structural framing, interior and exterior finishing, blueprint reading, construction math, material layout, and compliance with applicable building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations.

GS-11:
Certification Requirements:
  • a. The applicant must possess and maintain a current, valid industry-recognized carpentry instructor credential (e.g., National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Instructor Certification, Home Builders Institute (HBI) Instructor Certification, United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Instructor credential, or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) training certification) appropriate to the program's instructional model. Instruction must be limited to the scope of competencies and curriculum standards authorized by the credentialing organization.
  • b. A current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 10 (Construction)) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 30 (Construction Safety)) certifications.

AND
Work Experience:
  • a. Minimum of three (3) years of verifiable experience, held within the past five (5) years, in the carpentry field, including working in residential and/or commercial construction settings performing structural framing, interior and exterior finishing, blueprint reading, construction math, material layout, and compliance with applicable building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations.

AND
Teaching Experience:
  • a. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in developing instructional activities and lesson plans for students pursuing a career pathway in carpentry or related construction trades, incorporating competency-based training, industry safety standards, and hands-on skill development aligned with workforce or apprenticeship expectations.

NOTE: All applicants MUST clearly address the Selective Factor in their resume and, if applicable, upload any required documentation (i.e., licensure, certification, or transcripts) at the time you apply.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Please refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.