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Jail Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

Allied Universal

Security Officer Jailer

Whittier, CA · On-site

$24/hr

As a Security Guard, you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as Commercial Real Estate, Healthcare, Education, Government and more. Hiring for a Security Officer Jailer ...

Spectrum Security Services

Detention Officer

Adelanto, CA · 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 ...

Allied Universal

Security Officer Jailer

Whittier, CA

$24/hr

As a Security Guard, you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as Commercial Real Estate, Healthcare, Education, Government and more. Hiring for a Security Officer Jailer ...

Lincoln County Missouri

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO · 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

Lincoln County

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO · On-site

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

Lincoln County Missouri

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

West Virginia

Correctional Officer 4

Charleston, WV

$35K - $61K/yr

... Guard service may be included as military service using the Division of Personnel's internal ... Huttonsville Correctional Center and Jail, Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail, Western ...

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Jail Guard information

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$10

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How much do jail guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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:
What job categories do people searching Jail Guard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Jail Guard jobs are:
Jail Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jail Guard job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,072 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Jailer

City of La Porte, Texas

La Porte, TX • On-site

$21.80 - $27.24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

JAILER
Category: Full-Time
Status: Open
Hourly Rate: Min. $21.799 - Mid. $27.249
Published: February 16, 2026
Closing: Until Filled
DEFINITION
To complete paperwork associated with detainees and lock up activity; complete logs on the computer; maintains order and safety in the facility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Public Safety Attendant will work primarily in the Lock-up Facility but will be available to take walk-in reports (minor in nature, insurance only, etc.), and during extreme busy times will assist in Dispatch.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant
May exercise functional and technical supervision over less experienced staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Adheres to City attendance and punctuality policies demonstrating dependability.
  • Adheres to all City safety policies (protective equipment, pre-duty precautions checklist, etc.) to prevent unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury to self, others, or property.
  • Adheres to department dress code policies to present a professional appearance. Should exhibit appropriate grooming and attire for the position and responsibility.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Maintain log on the computer; maintains order and discipline in the facility; makes reports of incidents; reviews legal documents pertaining to detainees and takes necessary actions, preparing for transfers to another facility; fingerprints and photographs all detainees.
  • In processes/ out processes detainees; obtains signature from detainees on required documents; checks in detainees' personal belongings and safe guards that property. Cares for detainees; feeds and checks on each detainee's welfare at regular intervals.
  • Cleans the facility and insures the equipment is well maintained and in working order; maintains the supplies associated with the facility.
  • Answers general inquiries from the public in person or by phone.
  • Takes reports and information regarding criminal offenses and generated reports in police computer system.
  • Provides general dispatch support including answering phones, taking messages sending/receiving faxes and entering calls into the CAD system.
  • All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Knowledge of:
    • Standard broadcasting procedures and rules and standard radio or telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment.
    • Become familiar with geographic features and streets of the City.
    • Department procedures and policies, and those of the other user agencies.
    • Public safety classifications codes and computer commands.
  • Ability to:
    • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
    • Use computers, cameras and other electronic devices in accordance with their duties.
    • Operate all communication equipment and office equipment quickly and accurately.
    • Instruct new employees.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Must be at least 18 years of age or older, and a High School Diploma or GED.
*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.
Pay Range: $21.80 - $27.24 per hour

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