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Jail Correctional Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Clair County (IL)

IL · On-site

$49K - $77K/yr

Clair County Jail, ensuring inmate welfare, maintenance of jail security, and adherence to both ... Requires successful completion of the Correctional Officer's Training Program though the State of ...

Charles Mix County

Jailer/Correctional Officer

Lake Andes, SD · On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Jailer/Correctional Officer Are you passionate about ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in a correctional facility? Do you have a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to ...

Washington County, MN

Correctional Officer

MN · On-site

$32.26 - $44.83/hr

Jail Opening Date: 07/28/2026 Closing Date: Continuous JOB SPECIFICS Our Correctional Officers take great pride in wearing the uniform and badge of the Washington County Sheriff's Office. As a ...

Washington County (MN)

Correctional Officer

Stillwater, MN · On-site

$32.26 - $44.83/hr

As a Correctional Officer at the Washington County Jail (WCJ) your daily routine will never be boring. Our Correctional Officers are focused on maintaining peace, security, and safety within the WCJ.

Rock County

Correctional Officer

Janesville, WI

$26.81 - $28.94/hr

Position Summary and Job Duties Supervise inmates confined to the County Jail or in the Jail ... Must be certified as a Correctional Officer by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Training and ...

St. Louis County, MN

Correctional Officer

Duluth, MN · On-site

$27.45 - $33.50/hr

Louis County Jail Division (located in Northern Minnesota) hires permanent full-time Correctional Officers. These positions entail shift work (meaning days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays)

West Virginia

Correctional Officer 4

Charleston, WV · On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

Correctional Officers contribute to the public safety mission by providing for the safety and ... Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail, Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail, Western ...

Rice County

Correctional Officer

Faribault, MN

$31.67 - $44.34/hr

Maintains a detailed and accurate jail log electronically including but not limited to all detainee ... corrections, probation officers, social workers, lawyers, supervisors, main jail, and detainees.

West Virginia

Correctional Officer 3

Charleston, WV

$34K - $58K/yr

Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail, Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail, Western ... Perform and train subordinate officers to conduct contraband searches. Instruct offenders in ...

Rice County, MN

Correctional Officer

Faribault, MN · On-site

$31.67 - $44.34/hr

Jail Opening Date: 06/22/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary **CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The Correctional Officer performs activities that create and maintain a safe and secure ...

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How much do jail correctional officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail correctional officer in the United States is $24.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail correctional officer?

Jail correctional officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail. Their duties include maintaining safety and order within the facility, supervising inmate activities, conducting searches for contraband, and enforcing rules and regulations. They also handle inmate intake and release processes and may assist in emergency situations. The role requires strong communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What are some of the common challenges faced by jail correctional officers in their daily work?

Jail Correctional Officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining safety within a high-stress environment. Balancing authority while building professional rapport with inmates is crucial for ensuring compliance and reducing incidents. Additionally, officers must remain vigilant and adaptable, as situations can change quickly, requiring sound judgment and strong communication skills. Teamwork with other officers and facility staff is essential to maintaining order and supporting each other's well-being.

Is it worth it to become a jail correctional officer?

Becoming a jail correctional officer offers job stability, a structured environment, and opportunities for advancement, but it also involves high-stress situations and exposure to potential danger. The role requires strong communication skills, physical fitness, and adherence to safety protocols. Whether it is worth it depends on personal interest in law enforcement and willingness to handle challenging conditions.

What does it take to be a jail correctional officer?

To become a jail correctional officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks and drug tests, and complete training programs that cover security procedures, laws, and emergency response. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations are also important for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail correctional officer?

To thrive as a Jail Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and knowledge of security procedures and inmate management. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and state-mandated certifications such as correctional officer training are commonly required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills help officers maintain order and safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for enforcing rules, ensuring security, and effectively managing challenging situations in a correctional environment.

What is the difference between Jail Correctional Officer vs Prison Correctional Officer?

AspectJail Correctional OfficerPrison Correctional Officer
Work EnvironmentJails, short-term detention facilitiesPrisons, long-term correctional facilities
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic trainingHigh school diploma or GED, advanced training
Employer & IndustryLocal law enforcement agencies, county jailsState or federal correctional institutions

Jail Correctional Officers typically work in local jails handling short-term detainees, while Prison Correctional Officers work in state or federal prisons managing long-term inmates. Both roles require similar basic credentials and training but differ mainly in work environment and facility type.

How hard is it to get hired as a jail correctional officer?

Getting hired as a jail correctional officer typically requires passing a background check, completing a training academy, and meeting age and physical fitness requirements. Competition can be moderate, and having relevant skills such as communication and conflict resolution can improve chances of employment.
More about Jail Correctional Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Jail Correctional Officer jobs? Cities with the most Jail Correctional Officer job openings:
What states have the most Jail Correctional Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Jail Correctional Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Jail Correctional Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Jail Correctional Officer jobs are:
Jail Correctional Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jail Correctional Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,907 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Sheriff/Jail: Full-Time Correctional Officer

Vigo County, Indiana

Terre Haute, IN

$22.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Sheriff/Jail: Correctional Officer
Salary
$22.72 Hourly
Job Type
Full-time
BENEFITS
Vigo County offers to full-time employees competitive benefit plans. These include Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, paid holidays, Flexible Spending Account Plans, 457 Plans, Life Insurance , and others.

Description
Incumbent serves as Correctional Officer for the Vigo County Jail, responsible for maintaining security and order within the jail facility.
Examples of Duties
Enforces local, state, and federal laws by implementing effective policy to protect the lives and property of the people.
Maintains interior and exterior security of Jail, including monitoring surveillance cameras, operating electronic and digital door controls, monitoring detainee activities, and conducting watch tours/patrols. Maintains accurate accounting of all detainees, conducting periodic cell checks, shakedowns, roll calls, and head counts of detainees in assigned areas.
Performs booking procedures of individuals being detained, including photographing, fingerprinting, entering required information in computer, completing required forms and intake reports, receiving and receipting money and personal property, and searching detainees for weapons and contraband. Registers sex offenders as required.
Oversees detainees in allowable activities, such as telephone calls, commissary purchases, counsel, and family visitations. Distributes daily meals and ensures all trays are removed from cellblocks. Ensures personal hygiene of detainees and cleanliness of cell areas, accounting for all personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, laundry, and equipment issued to detainees.
Provides detainees with prescribed medications according to orders of physician. Follows Department procedures to ensure detainees receive proper medical attention.
Ensures compliance with facility rules and regulations, including recording and reporting inappropriate behavior to appropriate Department personnel and taking necessary action to correct any problems that arise. Properly secures and/or physically restrains violent and uncontrollable detainees as situations demand.
Transports and/or escorts individuals detained by the County to various locations, such as Court, Department of Corrections (DOC), medical facilities and hospitals, dental appointments, recreation, library, AA, and other meetings and activities.
Responds to inquiries from family members, attorneys, and members of general public regarding visitation and status of individual detainees.
Responds to detainee grievances following established chain of command procedures.
Maintains and updates institution logs, incident reports, daily activity reports, booking/release records, and medical records. Submits all reports and summaries of activities according to established Department deadlines.
Receives, sorts, inspects, and logs incoming and outgoing mail and personal items for detainees.
Answers telephone and receives jail visitors, including logging all calls and visitors, providing information and assistance, taking messages or directing calls/visitors to more appropriate individual or department.
Testifies in legal proceedings/court as necessary.
Attends seminars and in-service training as required.
Performs related duties as assigned or required.
Typical Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Must be at least 19 years of age.
  • Completion of Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for Correctional Officers.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain required certifications and training, including, but not limited to, handgun/firearm qualification by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, First Responder/CPR certification, IDACS/NCIC certification, and taser, chemical spray, and defense tactics training.
  • Ability to meet all Department hiring requirements, including passage of written, medical and psychological exams, and a drug test.
  • Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of the customary practices, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Department, and take authoritative action as situations demand.
  • Working knowledge of and ability to use all assigned Department equipment and weapons, including computer, calculator, radio, camera, fingerprint equipment, breathalyzer, handgun, stun gun, handcuffs, tear gas/mace, AED, SCBA/air pack, restraints, security panels, video monitoring, and fire suppression devices.
  • Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to complete required reports within established Department deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of universal health precautions and bloodborne pathogens control, and ability to apply such knowledge to protect oneself against infection.
  • Working knowledge of radio frequencies, codes, procedures, and limitations and ability to speak clearly and distinctly, hear and be understood when communicating in person, by radio, or by telephone.
  • Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, ordinances, and accepted police procedures.
  • Ability to appropriately receive, maintain, and account for detainee articles received.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, law enforcement agencies, DOC, Courts, detainees, and members of the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
  • Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state requirements.
  • Ability to comply with all employer and Department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
  • Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including everyday encounters with hostile/violent persons.
  • Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and follow oral and written instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
  • Ability to deal swiftly, rationally, and decisively with potentially violent individuals in precarious situations, and take authoritative action applying appropriate discretion and common sense.
  • Ability to perform essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of self and other individuals in the workplace.
  • Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, occasionally under time pressure, and on several tasks at the same time.
  • Ability to compile, compare, coordinate and analyze data, make determinations, and take action based on data analysis.
  • Ability to count/make simple arithmetic additions/subtractions.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of people/locations and utilize good judgment in extreme and uncommon situations.
  • Ability to work extended or irregular hours, evenings, and/or weekends as scheduled, and occasionally travel out of town for training and inmate transports, sometimes overnight.
  • Ability to occasionally respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.
  • Ability to testify in legal proceedings/court.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.
Supplemental Information
Incumbent performs duties in a jail and is regularly exposed to hazards associated with jail operations, including hostile/violent individuals and communicable diseases. Regular duties involve sitting/walking at will, sitting/standing/walking for long periods, walking/running up/down flights of stairs, physically restraining violent individuals, working in confined spaces, lifting/carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, pushing/pulling objects, bending, reaching, crouching/kneeling, close/far vision, color/depth perception, handling/grasping/fingering objects, keyboarding, hearing sounds/communication, and speaking clearly. Protective gear and/or equipment must be worn according to Department policy.
Incumbent works extended or irregular hours, evenings, and/or weekends as scheduled, and occasionally travels out of town for inmate transports and/or training, sometimes overnight. Incumbent occasionally responds to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

As an EOE/AA employer, Vigo County Government will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status.

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