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Jail Guard Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Jail Guard information

See Florida salary details

$7

$12

$16

How much do jail guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail guard in Florida is $12.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $13.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail guard?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail guard?

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.

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.

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.

How much do jail guards get paid in the US?

In the United States, jail guards, also known as correctional officers, typically earn a median 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 with additional certifications or overtime.

How much do jail guards make a year?

Jail guards, also known as correctional officers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $50,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the facility's size, with additional benefits often included in compensation packages.

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 popular job titles related to Jail Guard jobs in Florida?

For Jail Guard jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Jail Guard jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Jail Guard jobs in Florida are:

Jail Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jail Guard job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,209 per year, or $12.6 per hour.

Crossing Guard

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Tampa, FL • On-site

$21.06/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 45 rated police

Job description

Why choose HCSO? We have a history of stability and excellence. We continue to maintain and cultivate the highest level of standards and professionalism. We are unlike any other. Join the HCSO family!
Compensation Range
$21.06-$21.06
Starting Salary Range
21.06-21.06
Job Description Summary
Ensure the safety of children crossing streets and intersections to and from school.
Job Description
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties may vary based on assignment.
  • Stop traffic and escort children at designated school crossings to allow them to safely cross the street.
  • Be familiar with the location and purpose of the street traffic signs (such as school signs and speed signs) within the assigned area.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Some knowledge of traffic signals and traffic patterns and behavior.
  • Knowledge of basic safety procedures and practices relevant to being a school crossing guard.
  • Skill in maintaining order and control at school crossings.
  • Skill in interacting well with children.
  • Ability to hear and see at normal range or with accommodation.
  • Ability to remain aware of and alert to a variety of environmental factors such as moving vehicles and weather.
  • Ability to use good judgment when interacting with children.
  • Ability to control a STOP paddle effectively.
  • Ability to communicate specific instructions clearly.

Working Conditions
  • Work outdoors in a subtropical climate in potential adverse weather conditions.
  • Exposure to high-traffic areas and traffic hazards.
  • Stand/walk for prolonged periods.
  • May engage in light physical exertion (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds).
  • Work part-time during standard business and school hours.
  • Required to wear a high-visibility, retro-reflective vest.
  • In the event of an emergency or disaster, may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by management chain, Division/District Commander, or the Sheriff (or their designee). Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

Minimum Education & Experience
  • Completion of 10th grade.

Required Post-Employment Testing
  • Successfully complete required classroom instruction, practical training, and supervised duty according to the Florida School Crossing Guard Training Guidelines.

Additional Job Requirements
  • Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.
  • Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
  • No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff's Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.
  • No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
  • No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.
  • No felony convictions within lifetime.
  • No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
  • No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.
  • Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.
  • Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment (certified only).

The duties and responsibilities on this job description represent the essential functions that an employee must be able to satisfactorily perform with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations shall be made upon request to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue agency hardship. The Sheriff's Office retains the right to change or assign other duties to this job as necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A high school diploma or possession of a GED certificate.
  • Customer service experience.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe that diversity and inclusion among our applicants and employees is critical to our success as a community partner. We seek to offer employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical/mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and military/veteran status.

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