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Inmate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inyo County, CA

Correctional Officer - Female

CA · On-site

$59K - $94K/yr

Promotes acceptable inmate attitude and behavior * Confers with supervisors and custody-related service providers regarding behavioral and other inmate problems * Participates in programs designed to ...

AvaMed Workforce

Psychologist (PSYL

Stockton, CA · On-site

$329 - $332/hr

Monitors inmate progress using Mental Health approved documentation formatting for progress notes; * Effectively applies community standard of practices for non-medical treatment modalities and ...

AvaMed Workforce

Psychologist (PSYL

Stockton, CA

$158/hr

... inmate, including face-to-face contacts and Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IOTTs) meetings; 3. Monitors inmate progress using Mental Health approved documentation formatting for progress notes; 4. ...

County of Los Angeles

SENIOR COOK

Los Angeles, CA

$47K - $64K/yr

Leads the work of food service staff and/or inmate workers by assigning work; inspecting the work; providing guidance and technical expertise; aligning work projects with work priorities; monitoring ...

County of Los Angeles, CA

SENIOR COOK

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Leads the workof food service staff and/or inmate workers by assigning work; inspecting the work; providing guidance and technical expertise; aligning work projects with work priorities; monitoring ...

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All JobsInmate JobsInmate Jobs in California

Inmate information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$53.3K

$74K

How much do inmate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate in California is $53,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an inmate?

Inmates are individuals who are confined in a jail, prison, or other correctional facility as a result of being charged with or convicted of a crime. They remain in custody for a specified period, which may vary depending on the nature of their offense and sentence. Inmates are subject to the rules and routines of the correctional institution and may participate in various programs such as education, vocational training, or rehabilitation during their incarceration.

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

To thrive as a Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of criminal justice principles, and physical fitness. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and incident reporting tools is important. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and sound judgment set outstanding officers apart. These skills are vital for ensuring the safety, order, and rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Inmate vs Prison Guard?

AspectInmatePrison Guard
RoleIndividuals incarcerated in correctional facilitiesPersonnel responsible for supervising inmates and maintaining security
Required CredentialsLegal incarceration, no certifications neededSecurity training, correctional officer certification
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, confined settingPrison or jail facilities, active security environment
EmployerCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCorrectional institutions, government agencies

Inmates are individuals serving time in correctional facilities, while prison guards are staff responsible for overseeing inmates and ensuring security. The roles differ significantly in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment, but both are integral to the correctional system.

What cities in California are hiring for Inmate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Inmate job openings:

Inmate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inmate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,300 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Correctional Officer - Female

Inyo County, CA

CA • On-site

$59K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary : $59,593.32 - $94,114.08 Annually
Location : Countywide, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 252600443
Department: Sheriff
Division: Jail
Opening Date: 04/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
DESCRIPTION
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR FEMALE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Oversees the security and conduct of inmates
  • Supervises trustees in performance of routine custodial work
  • Processes prisoners for commitment, release, or transfer from detention facilities
  • Prepares required records
  • Issues clothing to inmates
  • Maintains records of inmates and their personal property
  • Recommends work assignments for inmates
  • Visually and physically inspects inmates and their quarters, for contraband, weapons, or narcotics
  • Checks on sanitary conditions and orderliness of quarters
  • Promotes acceptable inmate attitude and behavior
  • Confers with supervisors and custody-related service providers regarding behavioral and other inmate problems
  • Participates in programs designed to prepare inmates for release
  • Checks buildings and nearby grounds for irregular circumstances related to possible or attempted escape of prisoners
  • Answers telephone inquiries and at the counter inquiries pertaining to jail policies and individual prisoners
  • Receives and gives receipts for bail money
  • Dispenses prescribed medications to prisoners
  • Provides transportation for inmates
  • Assists with public safety dispatching
  • Prepares written reports
  • Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
A high school graduate or equivalent with one year of public contact experience.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Security and emergency procedures
  • Rules, regulations, practices, and procedures in the day-today operation and control of the County jail
  • Modern methods and techniques of discipline as they relate to persons under criminal confinement
  • Inmate supervision techniques, including supervision of special inmates
  • Criminal attitudes and behavioral patterns, and social factors underlying criminal behavior
  • Inmate attitudes and behavior
  • Minority group relations
  • Inmate disciplinary grievance procedures
  • Fire safety
  • Defensive tactics
  • Movement of prisoners
  • Legal responsibilities and liabilities
  • Report writing
  • Collection, identification, and preservation of evidence
  • Judicial procedures
  • Courtroom demeanor and testifying
  • Inmate correctional programs
  • Laws pertaining to local detention and holding areas
  • Care and operation of small firearms and other law enforcement equipment
  • First aid and CPR

ABILITY TO:
  • Observe, remember, and record events accurately
  • Learn, interpret and enforce jail rules, regulations, and other policies with firmness, tact, and impartiality
  • Effectively control, direct, and instruct inmates, individually and in groups
  • Speak, read, and write English
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions
  • Make quick effective and responsible decisions in emergencies and to take appropriate action including physically restraining violent inmates
  • Promote acceptable attitudes and behavior of inmates while in confinement
  • Prepare and present clear and comprehensive written and oral reports
  • Met and maintain standards of physical endurance and agility
  • Use and care for firearms and other law enforcement equipment
  • Learn and properly use standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system
  • Work cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL:
  • Height and weight must be proportionate
  • Hearing normal; vision 20/100 corrected to 20/30
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; run and jump
  • Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell
  • The employee must occasionally lift and or move more than 100 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
  • Must have ability to physically restrain violent inmates, walk the housing area, climb stairs, and operate electrical, electronic, and manual mechanisms

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must pass written examination and physical agility examination, a psychological examination, a stringent physical examination, including drug screen, and personal background check
  • Must successfully complete a jail operations course certified by the California State Board of Corrections and approved Penal Code 832, first aid and CPR courses
  • You may be required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of employment and must possess a valid operator's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation
  • Your position may be required to serve as a Disaster Service Worker during a County emergency

SUPPLEMENTAL & AGENCY INFORMATION
This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis, Interested persons should apply immediately.
APPLICATION: It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Beginning with your present or most recent job, show a complete record of your employment. Describe in detail any aspects of your experience or activities that are particularly appropriate for the position for which you are applying. You may not submit resume in lieu of completing the Employment Record fields. We will evaluate your qualifications based solely on the information entered into the Employment Record form.
It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements like "See/Refer to resume" or "See attached".
IMPORTANT: If requesting Veteran's preference, you must attach a copy of your DD214 with your application
SELECTION:
Selection procedures will be determined by the number and qualifications of applicants and may include a qualification screening, written examination, and oral interview.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH QUALIFYING DISABILITIES:
Inyo County will make reasonable efforts in the examination process on a case-by-case basis to accommodate persons with disabilities. If you have special needs, please contact (760) 878-0377 prior to the examination process.
CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS:
Inyo County hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-citizens in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
WORK LOCATION:
The County of Inyo has work sites located throughout the Owens Valley (Independence, Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Olancha) and the Death Valley area (Death Valley, Tecopa, and Shoshone). All Inyo County positions are considered Countywide. Positions are assigned to a work site based upon the needs of the County. Positions may be temporarily or permanently reassigned to another work site as deemed necessary by the Department Head and/or County Administration.
Monthly salaries are paid over 26 pay periods annually
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work 20-29 hours per week, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CalPERS)
Classic Employees (existing CalPERS member) 2% at 55 - Inyo County pays the employee contribution rate of 7% of base salary toward retirement.
PEPRA Employees (new CalPERS members hired after January 1, 2013) 2% at 62. - Employees will be required to pay the full employee portion toward retirement.
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