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Inmate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Records Clerk

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Assemble inmate/resident files from all repositories; review all inmate/resident records for compliance with policies; verify and correct, as necessary, composition of inmate/resident files; and ...

Records Clerk

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Assemble inmate/resident files from all repositories; review all inmate/resident records for compliance with policies; verify and correct, as necessary, composition of inmate/resident files; and ...

Monitors inmate compliance to Detention Facility rules. * Conducts inmate counts and patrols assigned areas. * Monitors inmates' health status. * Monitors special needs inmates. * Corrects inmate ...

Conducts commissary sales transactions, processing inmate/resident order forms, performs data entry, verifies and delivers pulled orders to the appropriate inmate. * Maintains up-to-date facility and ...

Conducts commissary sales transactions, processing inmate/resident order forms, performs data entry, verifies and delivers pulled orders to the appropriate inmate. * Maintains up-to-date facility and ...

The Librarian oversees the activities of a general purpose and/or law library designed to accommodate the social, educational and legal interest and needs of an inmate/resident population. Acquires ...

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Showing results 1-20

Inmate information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$49K

$68.1K

How much do inmate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate in Tennessee is $49,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are inmate jobs called?

Inmate jobs are typically referred to as prison work assignments or inmate employment. These jobs can include tasks such as kitchen work, cleaning, manufacturing, or maintenance, often supervised by correctional staff. Participation in inmate jobs may require specific skills and adherence to facility rules and schedules.

How much money can an inmate make?

Inmate wages vary by facility and jurisdiction but are typically low, often ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per hour. Inmates may earn money through work programs such as manufacturing, maintenance, or service jobs, which can provide limited income and sometimes contribute to restitution or savings. Opportunities and pay rates depend on the facility's policies and the inmate's skills and behavior.

What jobs can you work in jail?

Inmates can work in various jail jobs such as kitchen staff, janitorial services, laundry, maintenance, and facility security. These jobs often help inmates develop skills and may earn small wages, but they typically require approval and adherence to facility rules.

What jobs are off limits to felons?

Inmate jobs typically refer to employment within correctional facilities, which are limited to prison staff and inmates working under supervision. For employment outside of correctional settings, felons may face restrictions in certain industries such as healthcare, finance, and security, especially if the job requires licensing or background checks. However, many employers are willing to hire felons, particularly in roles that do not involve sensitive information or safety-sensitive duties.

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 are inmates?

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 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 Tennessee are hiring for Inmate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Inmate job openings:
Infographic showing various Inmate job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,018 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Senior Correctional Officer, Inmate Relations

CoreCivic

Whiteville, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


CoreCivic rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 42 rated prisons


Job description

27.99 per hour 

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibilityto better the public good. We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer, Inmate Relations whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact forthe people and communities we serve.

The Senior Correctional Officer, Inmate Relations is a uniformed, security trained member of the Unit Management Team responsible for resolving daily inmate issues before they become significant matters, incidents or grievances. They ensure that services and programs are delivered to inmates assigned to the unit at a time and manner as designed. 

  • Responsible for an assigned group of inmates with the primary purpose of resolving daily living issues before they expand into significant incidents.
  • Make daily rounds through assigned units talking with staff and inmates, observing operations and interactions between staff and inmates on the unit, ensuring the unit is operating in a safe and secure manner and anticipates situations. 
  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with inmates regarding grievance or potential grievance matters and resolve the situation within the framework of policy. 
  • Develop an interactive working relationship with inmates that support the informal resolution of inmate issues.

What CoreCivic employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About CoreCivic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At CoreCivic , we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

Industry

Public safety administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1983