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Jail Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IL ยท On-site

$49K - $77K/yr

... 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 ...

Jailer

Orange, TX ยท On-site

$22.03/hr

Jailer Salary range: $22.03 GUARDS INMATES IN A PENAL INSTITUTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED POLICIES, REGULATIONS, AND PROCEDURES. OTHER DUTIES ASSIGNED AS OUTLINED IN

As a Security Guard - Jail Processor in Bell, CA , you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as Government, and more. Join a leading team where flexibility meets opportunity.

As a Security Guard - Jail Processor in Bell, CA , you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as Government, and more. Join a leading team where flexibility meets opportunity.

... Honor Guard Incentive pay for physical readiness. Experienced applicants may qualify for our ... The Jail Division works 12 hour shifts with every other Friday-Saturday-Sunday off Essential Duties ...

Knowledge of basic safety procedures and practices relevant to being a school crossing guard ... Jail at the time of appointment/employment (certified only). The duties and responsibilities on ...

Deputy Sheriff - Jailor

Baraboo, WI ยท On-site

$29.10 - $36.56/hr

We also offer jail deputies the opportunity to earn selection to serve on various department-wide special teams to include Dive Team, Project Lifesaver, Critical Incident Negotiations, Honor Guard ...

Deputy Sheriff - Jailor

Baraboo, WI ยท On-site

$29.10 - $36.56/hr

We also offer jail deputies the opportunity to earn selection to serve on various department-wide special teams to include Dive Team, Project Lifesaver, Critical Incident Negotiations, Honor Guard ...

Jailer

Chamberlain, SD

$20.13 - $21.63/hr

Jailers are responsible for guarding inmates in the County Detention Facility, some duties to include: taking prisoners into custody, recording prisoner information and maintain jail records ...

Job Summary This is skilled work performed inside the county jail. An employee in this class is ... Ability to guard duty at a hospital for an entire shift as required. * Ability to serve and file ...

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Jail Guard information

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How much do jail guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail guard in the United States is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by jail guards in their day-to-day work?

Jail guards often encounter challenges such as managing difficult inmate behavior, responding to emergencies, and maintaining order in potentially volatile environments. The role requires quick decision-making, strong communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Regular collaboration with fellow guards and other facility staff is vital to ensure safety and effective operations. Adapting to shift work and maintaining professional boundaries with inmates are also important aspects of the role.

Is being a jail guard hard?

Being a jail guard can be physically and mentally demanding due to the need to handle potentially dangerous situations, enforce rules, and maintain security. The job often requires strong communication skills, situational awareness, and adherence to safety protocols, with shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

How much do jail guards get paid in the US?

In the United States, jail guards, also known as detention officers or correctional officers, typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $50,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific facility, with some earning over $60,000 in higher-paying regions or with additional certifications.

What does it take to be a jail guard?

To become a jail guard, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete training in security procedures and emergency response. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations are also important for this role.

What are jail guards and what do they do?

Jail guards, also known as correctional officers, are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in a jail or detention facility. Their duties include maintaining order, enforcing rules and regulations, supervising inmate activities, and ensuring the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the facility. Jail guards also perform routine inspections, respond to emergencies, and may assist in the transportation of inmates. They play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by helping to maintain a safe and controlled environment within correctional institutions.

What is the difference between Jail Guard vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJail GuardCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require training certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; state-specific training and certification often required
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, short-term confinement facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, long-term confinement centers
Employer & IndustryLocal jails, detention centers, law enforcement agenciesState and federal prisons, correctional departments

Jail Guards and Correctional Officers perform similar roles in maintaining security and order within detention facilities. Jail Guards typically work in local jails and handle short-term detainees, while Correctional Officers often work in prisons with long-term inmates. Both roles require similar credentials and training, but their work environments and scope of responsibilities differ slightly.

What is a guard at a jail called?

A guard at a jail is commonly called a correctional officer or detention officer. They are responsible for supervising inmates, maintaining security, and ensuring facility rules are followed, often requiring training and certification. The role involves working in a secure environment and enforcing jail policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Jail Guard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jail Guard, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, knowledge of correctional facility procedures, and completion of formal training or certification in corrections. Familiarity with security monitoring systems, incident reporting software, and restraint techniques is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and clear communication are crucial for managing inmate behavior and de-escalating tense situations. These skills are essential to maintain safety, enforce rules, and foster a secure environment for both staff and inmates.
More about Jail Guard jobs
What states have the most Jail Guard jobs? States with the most job openings for Jail Guard jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jail Guard job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,072 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Correctional Officer-Jail

Correctional Officer-Jail

St. Clair County (IL)

IL โ€ข On-site

$49K - $77K/yr

Full-time

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.