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Jail Guard Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

HCSO

Crossing Guard

Center, TX · On-site

$21.06/hr

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 ...

City of La Porte, Texas

Jailer

La Porte, TX · On-site

$21.80 - $27.24/hr

JAILER Category: Full-Time Status: Open Hourly Rate: Min. $21.799 - Mid. $27.249 Published ... safe guards that property. Cares for detainees; feeds and checks on each detainee's welfare at ...

City of La Porte

Jailer

La Porte, TX · On-site

$21.80 - $27.24/hr

JAILER Category: Full-Time Status: Open Hourly Rate: Min. $21.799 - Mid. $27.249 Published ... safe guards that property. Cares for detainees; feeds and checks on each detainee's welfare at ...

City of Baytown

Detention Officer/Trainee

Baytown, TX · On-site

$20.08/hr

The Detention Officer/Trainee books in and releases prisoners; guards and maintains jail. Demonstrates interpersonal skills. Able to deal effectively with the public and other employees. Able to ...

Midland County, TX

Detention Officer

Midland, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

Guards and transports prisoners. * Maintains county property under his/her care, custody, and ... Operates jail control panel and master control panel. * Other duties may be assigned. * Enforces ...

Midland County

Detention Officer

Midland, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

Supervises and documents activity within the jail, including recreational activities, religious ... Guards and transports prisoners. Maintains county property under his/her care, custody, and control.

Midland County, TX

Detention Officer

Midland, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

Guards and transports prisoners. * Maintains county property under his/her care, custody, and ... Operates jail control panel and master control panel. * Other duties may be assigned. * Enforces ...

Midland County, TX

Detention Officer

Midland, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

Guards and transports prisoners. * Maintains county property under his/her care, custody, and ... Operates jail control panel and master control panel. * Other duties may be assigned. * Enforces ...

City of Lewisville

Detention Officer

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Logs and controls prisoner movement within the jail; conducts routine safety checks of prisoners in cells, paying special attention to high-risk or suicidal prisoners; guards prisoners during ...

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How much do jail guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail guard in Texas is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.26 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 Texas?

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

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

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

Jail Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jail Guard job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,675 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Detention Deputy - SO Jail Administration

Bryan, TX • On-site

Brazos County, Texas
See more jobs at Brazos County, Texasexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Provides Deputy services in a corrections setting involving the movement and supervision of inmates inside and outside the jail facility; and maintains necessary records.

 
Other Duties may be assigned. Performs all of the essential duties of a Detention Officer. Patrols the county with emphasis on crime prevention, traffic safety, assisting the public (stranded motorists, directions), answering complaints, safeguarding property, and enforcing laws and ordinances; Arrests and books violators and completes paperwork and necessary reports associated with arrests and offenses; Responds to emergency calls and routine complaints; Investigates traffic accidents, civil disturbances, and crimes against persons and property; 

 
Investigates criminal activity, including gathering and photographing evidence, taking fingerprints, questioning witnesses and suspects, taking statements, and preparing reports; Assists federal, state, and local law enforcement officials with investigations and emergencies and assists or rescues individuals in need of aid; Conducts searches of buildings, vehicles, outdoor areas, persons, and other objects to detect potential weapons, contraband, evidence, hazards, stolen property, or to find lost persons or objects for the purpose of seizing, investigating, and/or rescuing; Executes misdemeanor and felony arrest warrants and serves subpoenas and civil papers, including locating offenders; 

 
Controls the scene of a traffic accident, takes reports, and directs traffic; Oversees periodic vehicle maintenance and calculates monthly vehicle fuel logs; Prepares for and testifies in court as required; Performs animal control and removes/relocates livestock from roads; 

 
Transports mental patients and guards prisoners at hospitals; Transports prisoners to and from court, hospitals, or correctional facilities as required, and guards prisoners when at trial; Guards election boxes at voting polls; Assists with dispatching and with other divisions, sections, or personnel as needed or directed; Promotes good public relations by informing citizens of police activities and crime prevention; 

 
May perform special assignments when required; and May perform extradition of criminals to/from other counties and states. 
 
Must hold a license peace officer TCOLE Certification. 

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