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Inmate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Correctional Technician

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$27.52 - $34.33/hr

Correctional Technicians are responsible for aiding jail operations in the area of inmate laundry. We encourage you to learn more about our department by clicking here Why it's a great opportunity: A ...

Coordinates, and supervises inmate services, activities and programs, (i.e., access to medical care, courts, mail, recreating, library, work programs, religious, food, laundry and counseling services)

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Inmate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$33K

$61.5K

$85.4K

How much do inmate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for inmate in Seattle, WA is $61,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $68,300.00 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 Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $61,496 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Corrections Deputy

Anderson County Government

Seattle, WA • On-site

$18.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Anderson County (South Carolina) rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

821st of 840 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB TITLE: Corrections Deputy

SECTION: Detention Facility

POSITION STATUS: Full time, Appointed, Civil Service

SALARY RANGE: Grade 4 / 5 - Starting at $18.81 Hourly

REPORTS TO: Shift Corporal, Shift Sergeant, Facility Lieutenant, Captain, Chief Jailer, Sheriff


POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Under general supervision, the Corrections Deputy (Deputy Sheriff) performs correction work of moderate difficulty ensuring the safety and welfare of adult inmates, court remanded juveniles, and staff while maintaining security control and custody in a functional unit in a Direct Supervision jail. The deputy will perform related work as requested.

In a Direct Supervision jail, corrections staff controls behavior of the jail population through a proactive concept based on direct inmate supervision. In this setting, inmates are given the responsibility to influence their treatment and privileges through control of their own behavior. This direct supervision approach is unlike the more traditional reactive containment approach which utilizes bars, security glass, and other barriers. Deputies in a Direct Supervision jail are assigned to work inside each pod in physical proximity to the inmates.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Corrections Deputy works under the general supervision of the Shift Corporal and / or the Shift Sergeant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Deputy in Charge when delegated.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Completes daily reports.
  • Conducts pat and strip searches.
  • Writes various required reports and documentation.
  • Checks fire and life safety equipment.
  • Documents conducted checks of holding cells and tanks.
  • Responds to and reports all emergencies within the Detention Facility.
  • Assists arresting officers as necessary.
  • Answers questions for inmates.
  • Detects and reports any maintenance problems.
  • Coordinates emergency response.
  • Monitors Detention Facility alarms.
  • Keeps work area clean.
  • May be required to dispense inmate medication and perform vital sign checks.
  • Monitors and provides security for medical personnel while performing their duties.
  • Reviews and responds to written inmate requests.
  • Keeps post log current.
  • Monitors inmate compliance to Detention Facility rules.
  • Conducts inmate counts and patrols assigned areas.
  • Monitors inmates' health status.
  • Monitors special needs inmates.
  • Corrects inmate behavior as needed.
  • Issues meals, laundry, commissary, mail, and insures supplies are stocked.
  • Inspects unit equipment (keys, remote, battery charger, etc).
  • Maintains security of the Detention Facility by observing and controlling inmate behavior, determining inmate classification levels, enforcing discipline, and reporting observations.
  • Inspects living conditions within the housing units for compliance with sanitation objectives.
  • Conducts checks of inmate housing and cell searches for inmate census and detection of contraband.
  • Conducts, operates, and inspects life safety equipment, electronic safety and surveillance equipment, and door control systems.
  • Monitors visitors entering and exiting the Detention Facility.
  • Performs Booking, fingerprinting, identification, and records maintenance procedures.
  • Participates in evacuation procedures and maintains security in emergency situations.
  • Provides information to inmates and the public regarding jail rules and regulations.
  • Maintains security of inmates transported to courts. Provides a safe environment for courtrooms and surrounding areas.
  • Provides escort services within the Detention Facility.
  • Provides transport services and security of inmates to various locations.
  • Physically restrains inmates with handcuffs, leg irons, and other restraints as necessary.
  • Testifies in court proceedings.
  • Participates in investigation and compiles information regarding inmate grievances.
  • Assists in updating policies, operation procedures, programs, and statistical data.
  • Provides information and tours for outside agencies and authorized visitors.
  • Inputs and retrieves information using automated records systems.
  • Provides on - the - job and in - service training for new employees.
  • Assists with in - service training.
  • May be required to carry and show proficiency in the use of firearms.
  • Supervise inmate workers on special work details inside or possibly outside the facility.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be at least twenty - one (21) years of age and bondable.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must be a high school graduate or its equivalent for Classified Employees.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving "moral turpitude" as the term is defined by law and not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • Must have passed an Anderson County Sheriff Department Civil Service Examination.
  • Must have his / her fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
  • Must have a valid Tennessee driver's license (only for those employees normally required to operate motor vehicles).
  • Must have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician.
  • Must be free of all latent or apparent mental disorders as verified by a qualified professional.
  • Must be able to pass a chemical / drug test upon request.
  • Must have a good moral character as determined by investigation.
  • Must complete 40 hours of in - service training annually.
  • Must become a Tennessee Corrections Institute certified Corrections Officer within one year of employment.

What is in it for you?

  • County Paid Benefits
    • FREE Short Term Disability
    • FREE Life Insurance
    • FREE Onsite Health Clinic (with the purchase of medical coverage)
    • FREE Employee Only Basic Dental Plan
    • FREE Telehealth: medical and behavioral
    • FREE Employee Assistance Program
  • County Share Payment of Benefits
    • Medical / Behavioral / Prescription
    • Vision / Dental (buy-up and family plan)
    • State Defined Retirement
  • Voluntary Benefit Options
    • Accident
    • Critical Care / Cancer
    • Long Term Disability
    • Pet Insurance
    • 401k (Roth plan available)and 457b Retirement
  • Personal Time Off
    • Sick
    • Personal
    • Vacation
  • County Provided Uniforms

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

  • The English language
  • The Criminal Justice System
  • The security practices and procedures used in a Direct Supervision jail.
  • Varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Report preparation, record keeping, and report writing.
  • Sheriff Department policies and procedures
  • Sheriff Department goals and objectives
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws or regulations
  • Tennessee Corrections Institute Minimum Standards
  • Day - to - day operations of the Detention Facility
  • Training Requirements
  • Emergency procedures, universal precautions, and first aid

Skills in:

  • Maintaining security, control, and custody of inmates in an assigned facility.
  • Interacting with people of varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Preparing and maintaining records and reports.
  • Basic computer skills
  • Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
  • General research, gathering, and evaluating information.
  • Observing situations analytically and objectively
  • Managing situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially
  • Reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, Sheriff Department members, and others.
  • Listening effectively

Ability to:

  • React to physical confrontation and emergency situations quickly and effectively
  • Stand or sit for long periods of time
  • Bend, reach, kneel, crouch, and lift heavy objects
  • Utilize defensive tactic skills, chemical repellants, and other methods of acceptable force
  • Climb up and down stairs and ladders
  • Hear and understand speech and police radio transmissions
  • See and recall visual details.
  • Perform multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Drive an automobile
  • Speak clearly
  • Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity
  • Perform light to heavy physically demanding tasks
  • Accept constructive criticism from senior staff for training purposes and supervision.

EQUIPMENT USED:

The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

  • Patrol car, police band radio, chemical repellant, computers, fire extinguishers, cameras, Automated Fingerprint Identification System, security equipment, all Detention Facility systems, handcuffs and all restraint devices, department issued weapons.

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Occasional exposure to blood and bodily fluids and tissues
  • Occasional necessity for extreme physical exertion in order to restrain individuals
  • Perform tasks requiring dexterity and agility after running moderate distances
  • May be exposed to adverse weather conditions
  • May be exposed to hazardous or dangerous situations when exposed to inmates that are violent in nature
  • May be exposed to communicable diseases

Anderson County Government is an equal opportunity employer. Is it the policy of Anderson County to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, statues with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


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