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Jail Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corrections Officer

Racine, WI ยท On-site

$30.74 - $35.48/hr

Guard and care for work program inmates and all others as directed by the Sheriff. * Perform Jail Housing Officer duty assignments including but are not limited to, distributing inmate medication ...

Certified Sheriff's Deputy

Conyers, GA ยท On-site

$25.57 - $33.24/hr

Jail Assignment: โ€ข Receives, searches, books, and places prisoners in appropriate cells. โ€ข ... Guards and secures County buildings and facilities. โ€ข Maintains court procedure records. โ€ข ...

Guard and care for work program inmates and all others as directed by the Sheriff. Perform Jail Housing Officer duty assignments including but are not limited to, distributing inmate medication ...

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 ...

Detention Officer

Adelanto, CA ยท On-site

$45.04/hr

Requirements A highly qualified candidate for this position has prior experience guarding prisoners and/or detainees as a correctional officer, jailer, or detention officer. Minimum qualifications ...

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO ยท On-site

$21.25/hr

Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in their care, custody and control during detention by performing the following duties. Principal Accountabilities

Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in their care, custody and control during detention by performing the following duties. Principal Accountabilities

Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in their care, custody and control during detention by performing the following duties. Principal Accountabilities

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO

$41K - $54K/yr

Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in their care, custody and control during detention by performing the following duties. Principal Accountabilities

Applicants with prior Police, Sheriff's Office, DCJS Basic Jailor Certification, DOC Officer ... Must be at least 18 years of age if in the active military, Reserve, or Guard or at least 20 years ...

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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.

CORRECTIONS OFFICER - FULL TIME

City of Fairhope, AL

Fairhope, AL โ€ข On-site

$19.25 - $22.77/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Salary: $19.25 - $22.77 Hourly
Location : Judicial, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FHP00176
Department: Police
Division: Corrections
Opening Date: 04/11/2025
Closing Date: 7/15/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
Under the supervision of the Chief Corrections Officer, the employee serves as a correctional officer providing security and operational support for the City jail. Employee completes inmate booking, explains rules and regulations, and issues inmate supplies. Employee enters information into jail management software, monitors inmate activities, and transports inmates to court proceedings. The employee maintains a safe and secure environment within the confines of the facility. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations, and instructions from superior officers, and work is reviewed upon completion. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background check and random drug screens.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Corrections Unit Operations. Follows established protocol to maintain a safe and secure jail environment. Maintains control of inmates according to standard operating procedures.
  1. Places arrestees in custody; completes formal booking procedure as required.
  2. Assists in the application of bail within departmental guidelines.
  3. Assists with transfer to another jurisdictional agency as required.
  4. Searches inmates for weapons and contraband, seizing evidence as required.
  5. Issues jail clothing, sheets, blanket, and mattress upon entrance of a new inmate.
  6. Explains jail rules, regulations, and restrictions to inmates.
  7. Ensures inmate has the opportunity for telephone communication after booking.
  8. Escorts nurse around facility during routine visits for inmate health care, as directed.
  9. Witnesses breathalyzer tests administered to inmates as required.
  10. Ensures meals are obtained for inmates and are distributed within established policy and health standards and regulations; maintains strict utensil inventory at beginning and end of mealtimes.
  11. Guards and monitors inmates with an emphasis on well-being and security.
  12. Transports inmates to medical appointments, court, and related facilities.
  13. Reports to supervisor any illness of inmates, unusual circumstances, unsafe conditions, or other matters that pertain to inmates or jail.
  14. Maintains the security of the jail facility by checking all locks, doors, and windows; accounts for all keys and personal cardkey for electronic locks; makes scheduled floor checks of all cellblocks and inmates.
  15. Conducts security checks of fire escapes and accesses; conducts security checks of exterior premises including parking lot; notifies supervisor or on-duty patrol officers of any persons on the premises without authorization or that appear to pose a threat to the facility.
  16. Provides security during visitation hours, transfers to medical facilities, extradition transfer, religious services, lawyer interview, bail applications, etc.
  17. Investigates and reports issues between prisoners; isolates or segregates as warranted to protect inmates and jail staff; prepares a written report of all incidents involving force.
  18. Intervenes during physical altercations involving inmates.
  19. Makes recommendations to supervisor for trustee assignments; supervises work details; reports any issues or deficiencies in writing.
  20. Identifies and searches all visitors and trustees entering and leaving the jail.
  21. Conducts visitations per established policy; controls and supervises visitors regarding contraband, dangerous instruments, and weapon introduction within the secure area of the facility; ensures visitors comply with all regulations and that criminal offenders are prohibited from visiting.
  22. Conducts cell-block shakedowns and inspections for the purpose of contraband seizure according to established protocol.
  23. Conducts rollcall of all prisoners at the start and end of each shift.
  24. Delivers all inmate correspondence to and from the courts and officials, maintaining confidentiality of contents.
  25. Monitors inmates in the exercise yard.
  26. Assists during periodic inspection of the jail facility by representatives of the Department of Public Health, State Fire Marshal, etc.
  27. Provides transport of inmates to court as needed; listens to judge's ruling and comments; takes notes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Jail Operations Support. Provides support to ensure appropriate and required jail processes are accomplished.
  1. Completes booking reports, fingerprint cards, and medical screening forms; takes photographs, completes computer data entry, and makes appropriate cell assignment for prisoners.
  2. Inventories personal property, jewelry, monies, etc. for inmates; receipts as required; returns property to individuals upon release and gathers signature for verification of inventory.
  3. Maintains logs of all jail visitors and ensures order during visitations.
  4. Maintains inmate history, disciplinary reports, illness, and various other records concerning inmates.
  5. Locates and transfers records for the court; ensures confidentiality of internal business records per departmental procedure.
  6. Makes frequent inventories of needed supplies; maintains forms and printed materials in sufficient quantity to accommodate continuous use; notifies supervisor deficiencies and needs.
  7. Maintains roster of trustees; maintains photographs and classification restrictions.
  8. Completes a daily log of activities during shift.
  9. Completes incident and disciplinary reports related to inmates.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
Performs other job-related duties as assigned or required.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Possess a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Experience as a corrections officer or in law enforcement is desired; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
  3. Possess a current and valid driver's license; must be insurable.
  4. Ability to obtain and maintain Jail Management certification within one (1) year of employment.
  5. Ability to obtain and maintain first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  6. Ability to complete continuing education and training classes.
  7. Ability to gain and maintain Taser and oleoresin capsicum (O.C. or pepper spray) spray certification, as required.
  8. Ability to be on call 24/7 and work non-standard hours.
  9. Ability to travel in the performance of duty related work. Travel may include overnights.
  10. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

1022.4.2 TATTOOS
The appearance of department members is a visual representation of the department and its standards of professionalism. Therefore, it should be assumed that reasonable restrictions will be placed on employees who choose to have visible tattoos or body art.
Employees are allowed to have visible non-offensive tattoos while conducting day-to-day operations. Employees with any visible tattoos will be required to wear long-sleeved uniforms at any of the following:
-Public Speaking Events on behalf of the department
-Media releases
-Court (Federal, District, Circuit, Municipal and any other court proceeding)
-While on-duty, or representing the department in any capacity, members may have or display tattoos; with the following restrictions:
--One wedding ring tattoo on the ring finger
--Tattooed make-up giving the appearance of natural color and style is allowed (i.e. eyebrows, eyeliner)
--No other visible tattoos are permitted on the head, face, neck (above the collar) or hands (below the wrist bone) unless authorized by the Chief of Police because of special circumstances.
Tattoos depicting racist, indecent, extremist, lawless or offensive themes are prohibited. A tattoo is considered "offensive" if it is sexist, sexual, racist, vulgar, anti-social, violent, or discriminates against any person by virtue of words, symbols, or pictures in the tattoo or body art.
Additional prohibited tattoos or body art is any such tattoo/art associated with any organization or group that advocates intolerance or discrimination, that brings discredit upon the Department or violates the Departments' defined Vision, Mission and Values.
The final determination on the interpretation of a tattoo is determined by the Chief of Police.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)
  1. *Knowledge of City and Departmental policies and procedures.
  2. *Knowledge of City, state, and federal statutes and laws.
  3. *Knowledge of the criminal justice system and procedures.
  4. *Knowledge of criminal law, court procedures, and liability.
  5. *Knowledge of modern, approved practices and procedures of jail-related processes.
  6. *Knowledge of prisoner/inmate handling techniques and procedures.
  7. Knowledge of first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  8. Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing.
  9. Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, inmates, and the public.
  10. Writing skills to develop professional letters, reports, and other materials using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  11. Listening skills to take accurate statements.
  12. Reading skills to understand and interpret guidelines and regulations.
  13. Math skills to complete basic calculations (additions, subtraction multiply, and divide).
  14. Computer skills to effectively enter inmate information and utilize jail management software.
  15. Driving skills to operate a vehicle properly and safely under adverse conditions.
  16. Ability to defend oneself from unruly and disorderly individuals.
  17. Ability to work under supervision.
  18. Ability to utilize approved methods of defense such as Tasers and pepper spray.
  19. Ability to read and comprehend a variety of legal and procedural documentation, directions, instructions, methods, and procedures.
  20. Ability to use computers and office productivity software.
  21. Ability to handle stressful situations.
  22. Ability to work under pressure and use good judgment.
  23. Ability to listen and have patience and compassion.
  24. Ability to prioritize work projects.
  25. Ability to use multi-line telephones and two-way communication devices.
  26. Ability to multi-task and organize files.
  27. Ability to stay awake and alert for long periods of time overseeing inmates.
  28. Ability to pay attention to detail when completing reports.
  29. Ability to subdue belligerent and hostile individuals.
  30. Ability to use non-lethal personnel control equipment.
  31. Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
  32. Ability to drive and use safe driving methods.

Physical Demands
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas, and defending oneself or others from physical attack.
Work Environment
The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, subject to physical attack or mob conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.
The City of Fairhope offers a wide variety of benefits to regular full-time employees.
As a regular full-time employee with the City, you are eligible to enjoy the following benefits:
  • Affordable Health Insurance
  • Affordable Vision Insurance
  • Affordable Dental Insurance
  • Employer paid Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Symbol Health Solutions*
  • Discounted membership at Fairhope Recreation & Fitness Center
  • Discounted Quail Creek Green Fees
  • Employer paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Dependent Care Account
  • Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Paid Vacation Time
  • City approved paid Holidays

Regular Part Time employees who work 29+ hours per week participate in the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)
*Symbol Health Solutions is contingent upon enrollment in the City health insurance.