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Inmate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Sheriff's Dept Essex

Correctional Officer II

Middleton, MA · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

... inmate activity; and perform related work as required. Other duties performed are under somewhat undesirable working conditions and may require intermittent moderate physical effort and potential ...

Sheriff's Dept Norfolk

Correctional Officer

Dedham, MA · On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Shall prepare inmate disciplinary, informational and other significant reports as required by the Facility Shift Commander. * Shall transport prisoners to courts, hospitals or other institutions ...

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All JobsInmate JobsInmate Jobs in Boston, MA

Inmate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$31.6K

$58.9K

$81.7K

How much do inmate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate in Boston, MA is $58,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $65,400.00 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.

Inmate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inmate job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $58,670 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Staff Attorney - Inmate Legal

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
At Nashua Street Jail, represents detainees in Suffolk Superior Court on petitions for review of bail. At House of Correction, provides legal services to inmates; assists in the filing of post-conviction motions; acts as advocate for inmates within the House of Correction; advises inmates of their legal rights; researches legal problems and prepares memoranda; and performs related work as required by the General Counsel.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the supervision of the General Counsel and direct supervision of the Director of Inmate Legal Services.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
At Jail, provides technical direction to Legal Assistants who interview, screen and recommend detainees for bail appeal hearings and legal services requests. At House of Correction, provides technical direction to Legal Assistants who interview inmates and respond to legal requests.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assists indigent inmates at the House of Correction on post conviction motions, including, but not limited to, Motions to Revise and Revoke, Motions for Jail Credit, Motions for corrected Mittimus;
  1. Advises and represents indigent inmates on legal issues related to probate and family matters;
  2. Advises, when appropriate, inmates on general legal matters that may arise during incarceration;
  3. Takes affirmative steps to keep current in areas of the law that affect the inmate population;
  4. Represents indigent detainees at Bail Appeal hearings in Superior Court;
  5. Reviews all case files of detainees for recommendations for bail appeals. Provides advice and guidance to Legal Assistants making such recommendations;
  6. Researches legal problems and prepares memos;
  7. Provides limited legal advice to detainees and staff assisting prisoners on legal issues;
  8. Knowledge of sentencing, including parole standards, jail credit, statuary good time and earned time;
  9. Maintains law library;
  10. Knowledge of Pretrial Controlled Release Programs;
  11. Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned; and
  12. Such other duties as the Sheriff and General Counsel may assign from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Ability to interact with employees and the public in a pleasant and discreet manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels throughout the organization, in other agencies, and in private industry. High levels of customer service, independence, leadership and willingness to write and maintain documentation. Must perform duties with a high degree of confidentiality;
  2. Thorough substantive knowledge of office procedures, practices, and equipment, including personal computers is required;
  3. Ability to demonstrate initiative and to work with co-workers and consultants. Self-motivator, ability to meet project deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously is essential. Ability to maintain accurate records;
  4. Ability to complete moderate to complex level of qualitative and quantitative analyses. Strong analytical and problem solving skills are required. Attention to detail is crucial. Need for creativity, flexibility and organizational skills;
  5. Ability to recognize administrative problems and to recommend solutions to division manager to improve efficiency;
  6. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form required;
  7. Ability to assume increased responsibility in absence of division manager;
  8. Considerable knowledge of the court system and the technical aspects of incarceration;
  9. Working knowledge of and skill at interviewing techniques;
  10. Ability to present effective oral arguments;
  11. Ability to perform legal research and prepare memos and briefs; and,
  12. Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Maintain knowledge of court, pretrial release and parole systems;
  2. Answer telephone and respond to inquiries;
  3. Compose, read, and review spreadsheet reports and enter into appropriate electronic database;
  4. Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace;
  5. Meet regular deadlines to ensure appeals are processed timely;
  6. Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;
  7. Compliance with security procedures;
  8. Obeying of moderately complex oral and written orders;
  9. Communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
  10. Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
  11. Deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and,
  12. Exercise good judgment.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Communicate orally with employees and the public;
  2. Read and enter information into appropriate electronic database as needed;
  3. Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
  4. Lift up to 10 pounds;
  5. Carry up to 10 pounds;
  6. Climb stairs occasionally;
  7. Walk short distances; and,
  8. Write and type.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION
Participation in mandatory training.

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