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Federal Prison Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Federal Prison information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$30K

$60K

$88.9K

How much do federal prison jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prison in Rochester, MN is $60,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $68,600.00 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 is the highest paying prison job?

In federal prisons, the highest paying jobs are typically supervisory roles such as correctional officers or specialized positions like medical staff and maintenance supervisors. These roles often require additional training, certifications, or experience and offer higher salaries compared to entry-level positions like guards or administrative staff.

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.

Is it hard to become a federal correctional officer?

Becoming a federal correctional officer typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing a background check, physical fitness test, and drug screening. Applicants often need to complete training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills. The process can be competitive and involves multiple steps, including interviews and assessments.

Can you get a job in federal prisons?

Yes, federal prisons employ a variety of staff including correctional officers, administrative personnel, healthcare providers, and maintenance workers. Applicants typically need relevant qualifications, background checks, and training such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) certification for correctional officers.

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. Salaries often include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and positions may require passing background checks and training programs.
What job categories do people searching Federal Prison jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Prison jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Federal Prison jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Federal Prison job openings:

Physician (Chief Psychiatrist)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Rochester, MN • On-site, Remote

$145K - $335K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 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
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Serves as the Chief Psychiatrist at a Federal Medical Center (FMC) or a designated Long-Term Care Facility for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Responsible for overseeing the delivery of professional mental health care services for federal prisoners and consultative services via BOP telehealth network to assigned facilities.
Leads, directs, supervises and participates in and oversees the functioning and growth of the Psychiatric Department.
Provides clinical and administrative supervision to consultant physicians in the area of mental health.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution.
The staff's correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and is performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
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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
NOTE: In order to make a full and complete assessment of a candidate's work history for salary purposes, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure detailed information on the following items is provided in their application.
Candidates should provide clearly delineated information on:
  1. Scope of present practice, i.e., direct patient care, supervision of subordinates, national consultant, etc.
  2. Complexity of current practice, i.e., forensic evaluation, neuropsychiatry, etc.
  3. Specialized training, if any (addiction, dual diagnosis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CPT), or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) training, psychosomatic fellowship training, etc.)
  4. Experience with special mental health programs, i.e., self-harm behaviors, etc.
  5. Primary (and secondary) board certification(s)
  6. Specific professional accomplishments, i.e., publications, university positions held, professional organization positions held, presentations, national psychiatry awards, etc.
  7. Multi-lingual capabilities as it relates to professional practice.
  8. Specific correctional psychiatry experience, if any.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or equivalent from a school in the United States or Canada. This degree must have been accredited by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; Association of American Medical Colleges; Liaison Committee on Medical Education; Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Degree from Foreign Medical School: A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must provide education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed pre-medical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
AND
Licensure: Applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
NOTE: ALL applicants MUST electronically upload proof of current, active, full and unrestricted license as a Physician, and proof of successful completion of an accredited graduate training internship, fellowship, or residency program for verification at the time you apply.
AND
Graduate Training: Subsequent to obtaining a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, a candidate must have had at least 1 year of supervised experience providing direct service in a clinical setting, i.e., a 1-year internship or the first year of a residency program in a hospital or an institution accredited for such training. For purposes of this standard, graduate training programs include only those internship, residency, and fellowship programs that are approved by accrediting bodies recognized within the United States or Canada. Descriptions of such programs are described below.
An internship program involves broadly based clinical practice in which physicians acquire experience in treating a variety of medical problems under supervision (e.g., internal medicine, surgery, general practice, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics). Such programs are in hospitals or other institutions accredited for internship training by a recognized body of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in a hospital or an institution accredited for training in the specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association (AMA), American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
A fellowship program involves advanced training (beyond residency training) in a given medical specialty in either a clinical or research setting in a hospital or an institution accredited in the United States for such training.
All qualified referred candidates will undergo a credentialing process. This process includes validation of examinations, licensure, education, internship and residency. Please electronically upload these documents along with your required supporting documentation at the time you apply.
AND
Additional Requirements:
Applicant must have five years of graduate training in the specialty of the position to be filled (Psychiatry) OR equivalent experience and training.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
  • Experience in making decisions relative to consultation with members of medical and institutional staff.
  • Experience in providing clinical oversight and is responsible for all health care delivered.
  • Experience in reviewing and monitoring the delivery of psychiatry services recommending corrective action changes as appropriate.
  • Experience in evaluating and making recommendations regarding utilization of psychiatrist, program implementation, resources and staff development needs.
  • Experience in advises medical staff on psychiatry policies in accordance with local licensure laws, legal requirements, Health Services Department policies and programs, requirements for accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, the American Correctional Association, and other relevant organizations.

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
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Initial appointment to a supervisory/managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency.
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.
Shift work may be required.
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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
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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.