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Inmate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

IL

$49K - $77K/yr

Clair County Jail, ensuring inmate welfare, maintenance of jail security, and adherence to both departmental policy and applicable state statute; performs related booking, admitting, and release ...

Monitor and supervise inmate, detainee, and/or resident activity per TCA policy. This includes listening to complaints and effectively resolving disputes or problems, taking corrective action ...

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen. * Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation ...

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Inmate information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$52.3K

$72.7K

How much do inmate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate in Illinois is $52,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $58,100.00 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 Illinois are hiring for Inmate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Inmate job openings:

Infographic showing various Inmate job openings in Illinois 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 $52,334 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

$49K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description Under direct supervision, monitors and supervises the movement and activities of inmates at the St. Clair County Jail, ensuring inmate welfare, maintenance of jail security, and adherence to both departmental policy and applicable state statute; performs related booking, admitting, and release functions. Examples of Duties Receives books, and admits incoming prisoners; photographs, fingerprints, and searches prisoners; inventories property and assigns storage lockers; completes required paper work; orders showers, issues jail uniforms and assigns prisoners to cell blocks Releases prisoners meeting bond requirements, those exonerated in the court system, and inmates having fulfilled jail terms; checks release papers, verifies identity of prisoner being released, and returns clothing and other possessions.

Performs duties in the maintenance of jail security to include, but not to be limited to, the following: the performance of headcounts; 30-minute cell checks; the supervision of all inmate movement within the facility; shakedowns of inmates and quarters; the guarding of inmates during recreational activities, interviews, and visitations; the inspection of items and persons entering and leaving jail areas the quelling of disturbances; and the transportation of persons to and from court appearances. Supervises tenders in the service of meals to inmates, ensuring that each inmate receives only one meal tray and that all trays and utensils are returned following meal service. Issues medications to inmates for whom they have been prescribed; notifies superior authority of inmate requests for medical attention and preforms first aid in emergency situations.

Operates jail commissary; controls commissary bank; issues monies to inmates from their accounts and records transactions; monitors commissary room activity. Supervises tenders in the performance of custodial/housekeeping functions to include the cleaning of cell block areas and corridors, the laundering of bedding and uniforms, and similar activities. Remains observant of inmate attitude/behavior; maintains control over behavior and circumstances which are potentially volatile; directs inmate compliance with jail rules and regulations; reports infractions, prepares incident reports, and files charges against inmates as needed.

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Typical Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. Education: Requires knowledge , skill, and mental development.

High School diploma. Requires successful completion of the Correctional Officer's Training Program though the State of Illinois, Department of Corrections within a reasonable period od time following employment. Requires successful competition of the Mandatory Firearms Training Program through the local Government Law Enforcement Officers Training Board within a reasonable period of time following employment.

Supplemental Information Requires possession of a valid Illinois Vehicle Operator's License in the appropriate classification required by law. Requires elementary knowledge of the "Illinois County Jail Standards," as issued by the state of Illinois, Department of Corrections. Requires elementary knowledge of departmental rules and regulations governing jail facility operations.

Requires elementary knowledge of the theories, methods, and procedures utilized in maintaining the security of a correctional facility. Requires elementary knowledge of the activities and interrelationships of the various functional components of the criminal justice system. Requires elementary knowledge of first aid.

Requires alertness and the ability to maintain jail security in accordance with facility rules and regulations and applicable law. Requires ability to supervise the activities of inmates in accordance with facility rules and standards guiding their handling and conduct. Requires ability to comprehend the special problems of and deal humanely with individuals in confinement.

Requires ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and decisively. Requires ability to function effectively under conditions of stress. Requires ability to justify and document chosen courses of action.

Requires ability to employ both authority and firmness in all transactions with inmates. Requires ability to prepare requisite records and reports. Requires ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public. **You are required to be a resident of St. Clair County within 1 year of hire** Educational Pay: Extra Pay - $300 / year - Bachelors Degree Extra Pay - $450 / year - Master's Degree.