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Inmate Jobs in Cook County, IL (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 ...

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 ...

Food Service Worker

Pekin, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

The Food Service Supervisor is responsible for the supervision of inmate labor as well as team members assisting with the food service operation in a correctional facility. This position will also ...

Food Service Worker

Pekin, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

The Food Service Supervisor is responsible for the supervision of inmate labor as well as team members assisting with the food service operation in a correctional facility. This position will also ...

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 ...

Overview The Dentist is responsible for providing dental services to inmate patients within the institution they are assigned to, while adhering to the security regulations of the facility. They are ...

They review and manage inmate health cases, hospitalizations, and referrals to optimize care and control costs. The role also involves maintaining communication with facility and external partners ...

Dental Assistant

Marion, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

In this role, you will work closely with the dental staff to ensure efficient clinical operations and provide essential oral healthcare to the inmate population within a secure federal environment.

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Inmate information

See Cook County, IL salary details

$29.1K

$54.2K

$75.2K

How much do inmate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate in Cook County, IL is $54,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $60,200.00 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.

Infographic showing various Inmate job openings in Cook County, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,151 per year, or $26 per hour.

$49K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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.