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Jail Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Jail Officer

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$39K - $54K/yr

Police Officer's perform professional police work for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. This position will be assigned to the Criminal Justice Center and will provide inmate security and supervision ...

Jailer Recruit

Westmoreland, KS ยท On-site

$21.06 - $31.83/hr

Description: This position performs Jail duties ensuring the welfare of all inmates of the ... Incumbent works daily with subordinates, sworn and non-sworn, and supervisory officers in order to ...

Police Officer's perform professional police work for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. This position will be assigned to the Criminal Justice Center and will provide inmate security and supervision ...

Jailer Recruit

Westmoreland, KS ยท On-site

$31.83/hr

Job Type Full-time Description This position performs Jail duties ensuring the welfare of all ... Incumbent works daily with subordinates, sworn and non-sworn, and supervisory officers in order to ...

Description This position performs Jail duties ensuring the welfare of all inmates of the ... Incumbent works daily with subordinates, sworn and non-sworn, and supervisory officers in order to ...

Police Officer's perform professional police work for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. This position will be assigned to the Criminal Justice Center and will provide inmate security and supervision ...

Police Officer's perform professional police work for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. This position will be assigned to the Criminal Justice Center and will provide inmate security and supervision ...

Detention Officer

Alvin, TX ยท On-site

$20.10/hr

Must possess and maintain Basic Jail Officer certification from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. Must possess CPR / First Aid certifications. Must possess a valid state driver's license. Must meet ...

Jailor

Midwest City, OK ยท On-site

$21.58/hr

S. grad. or GED req. Must obtain yearly certification in CPR, First Aid, Jail school and Livescan & Intoxilyzer certification. Must possess valid OK. driver license & be insurable. This position is ...

Jailor

Midwest City, OK ยท On-site

$21.59/hr

S. grad. or GED req. Must obtain yearly certification in CPR, First Aid, Jail school and Livescan & Intoxilyzer certification. Must possess valid OK. driver license & be insurable. This position is ...

Transport Officers

Winona, MN ยท On-site

$32.47/hr

Learn about daily jail operations, secure transports, and court procedures while building a strong ... Transport Officer. * Prepares reports as needed. * Staffing magnetometer and perform security ...

Correction Officer I

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$20.36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Enforces jail rules and regulations; maintains inmate discipline; maintains a secure and peaceful environment in the jail. * Supervises, observes and monitors inmate activities inside the facility on ...

Jailer

Desoto, TX ยท On-site

$46K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Jail Operations Opening Date: 11/13/2025 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Description This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job ...

DETENTION OFFICER

Pembroke, GA ยท On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

... of basic jail officer's course from G.P.S.T.C. or have P.O.S.T certification as basic law enforcement officer. Please apply and complete forms below in order to be considered for this position.

Detention Officer

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$51K/yr

Places prisoners in an assigned jail cell and removes them for release or transportation. Arranges for escort to transport to other locations. Assures safety and health of prisoners: Monitors ...

Jailer

College Park, GA ยท On-site

$45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to obtain POST certification (Peace Officer Standard Training) as a "Basic Jail Officer". * Must be able to use tact and courtesy in dealing with the public. * Must be able to analyze and ...

Showing results 21-40

Jail Officer information

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$14

$24

$32

How much do jail officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail officer in the United States is $24.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by jail officers and how are they addressed on the job?

Jail Officers often encounter challenges such as managing difficult inmate behavior, maintaining safety and order within the facility, and handling potentially high-stress situations. To address these, officers receive extensive training in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and safety protocols. Many facilities also promote teamwork and provide support through regular briefings and access to mental health resources, ensuring officers are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

How much do jail officers make?

Jail officers, also known as detention officers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced officers or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented by shift differentials and overtime opportunities.

What is the difference between Jail Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJail OfficerCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often required
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, short-term holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, long-term detention centers
Employer & IndustryLocal jails, law enforcement agenciesState or federal correctional institutions

Jail Officers primarily work in local jails and detention centers, focusing on short-term inmate supervision, while Correctional Officers work in prisons with long-term inmates. Both roles require similar credentials and operate within the criminal justice system, but their work environments and responsibilities differ based on the facility type.

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

To thrive as a Jail Officer, you need a solid understanding of correctional procedures, security protocols, and criminal justice, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of corrections officer training or certification. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and restraint equipment is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and stress management abilities help officers effectively interact with inmates and colleagues. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining safety, order, and security within correctional facilities.
More about Jail Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Jail Officer jobs? Cities with the most Jail Officer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Jail Officer jobs? The top employers for Jail Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Jail Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Jail Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jail Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,907 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Correction Officer -Somerset County Jail

Somerset County of Maine

Madison, ME โ€ข On-site

$23.98/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Wage & Pay Scale Modification to the CBA allows for hiring of experienced Corrections Officers at a rate of pay commiserate with years of experience up to the amount equal to, but not to exceed, eight (8) years of Service at the Somerset County Jail. The employee must be certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and provide verifiable documentation of years of service.
Job Summary:
This is a line staff level position, responsible to the Assistant Shift Commander of the Somerset County Jail. The correctional officer ensures a high quality direct supervision corrections facility by providing for the care, custody, and control of inmates.
The correctional officer supervises inmates to ensure a safe and humane environment; handles inmate discipline fairly and effectively; responds to inmate requests in a fair and balanced fashion; builds positive rapport and personal credibility with inmates; supervises inmates in a clear, well-organized and attention getting manner; resolves inmate problems and conflicts; and maintains effective administration and staff relations.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
1. Be committed to the missions of the Somerset County Jail and
Somerset County Sheriff's Office.
2. Be committed to the principles of direct supervision in all aspects of the work.
3. Work as a member of a team in the performance of duties.
4. Be punctual for scheduled work and use time appropriately.
5. Work in harmonious relationship with staff and community.
6. Perform duties in a conscientious, cooperative manner.
7. Perform required amount of work in a timely fashion with a minimum of errors.
8. Be neat and maintain a professional appearance.
9. Possess a valid Driver’s license.
10. Understand and work within Somerset County and the Somerset
County Jail’s Polices and Procedures.
11. Assure quality in work performed in order to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
12. Accept shared responsibility with other team members to successfully accomplish goals of each team of which s/he is a member.
13. Maintain confidence and protect Somerset County by keeping information concerning inmates, clients and operations confidential.
14. Take direction in a professional manner from the correctional
Supervisors and administrative staff.
KEY EXPECTED RESULTS:
1. Ensures a safe and secure facility by complying with policies, procedures, post orders, and training and by employing principles of direct supervision.
2. Employs time management techniques to effectively prioritize assigned tasks.
3. Ensures inmate’s court appearances by organizing, preparing inmates to be transported.
4. Meets cleanliness and hygiene expectations by supervising the cleaning, disinfecting of inmate quarters and providing necessary linen and supplies.
5. Takes emergency action when necessary by established emergency procedures and protocols.
6. Maximizes compliant inmate behavior and minimizes the occurrence of disruptive inmate behavior in the living unit by proactively supervising and clear communicating of the rules and expectations to inmates.
7. Responds to all incidents of inmate behavior immediately.
8. Responds fairly and effectively and within established parameters to inmates when disciplining them for disruptive behavior or rule violations.
9. Ensures inmates follow required behavior standards by supervising recreation, visiting, dining, education, work programs, treatment, social services, and other activities.
10. Meets all legal requirements by maintaining accurate logs on all significant activity in the housing unit.
11. Ensures the safety of staff and inmates by performing searches of inmates, rooms, and the entire facility to prevent use of prohibited materials and seizes any contraband.
12. Responds to inmate requests in a fair and balanced manner and avoids inmate manipulation.
13. Creates an environment of mutual respect between the inmate and officer by demonstrating fairness, consistency, and responding in a courteous manner.
14. Demonstrates effective skill in organizing, supervising, and motivating inmates in their activities.
15. Provides guidance and leadership in the resolution of inmate problems by recognizing the steps involved in conflict resolution and dealing with confrontational situation.
16. Provides for inmate’s needs by organizing, sorting, transporting, delivering, and collecting mail.
17. Assists staff by working in specialized skill areas as trained and assigned.
18. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending pre- service and in-service training as required. .
19. Contributes to the team effort by accomplishing related results as needed by having knowledge of and consistently applying facility rules and procedures, coordinates activities with co-workers, supports the authority of staff members and regularly and effectively communicates with supervisors and other administrators.
20. Supports the Authority’s safety and health policies by attending required safety training programs, reporting all accidents and suspected safety hazards.
21. Participates as an active member in training, on task forces and performing other related duties as required by the Correctional
Administrator.
22. Performs any and all other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL STANDARDS:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these physical standards.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to bend, lift, push, pull, use hands to finger a standard computer keyboard, use a computer and touch screen devices, telephone, radio and protective devices.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by the job require close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to operate a motor vehicle or other vehicle or equipment. Employee will frequently come in contact with inmates and must possess sufficient physical dexterity to employ necessary and lawful non-deadly physical force to address inmate resistance.
If authorized to use a firearm, must receive training and qualify in its use annually.
If authorized to use chemical agents, must receive training in their use and handling as required
If authorized to use electronic equipment, must receive training in their use and handling as required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Sometimes it may be loud due to problems with inmate.
REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE POSITION:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two (2) years post secondary education desirable.
  • Successful completion of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic
Corrections course or completion within the first year of employment
  • Understanding of direct supervision jail principles.
  • Ability to effectively manage inmates
  • Ability to work with supervisory and other staff in a collaborative and effective manner.
  • Commitment to running a safe and secure jail.
  • Ability to remain composed in emergency situations.
  • Commitment to accreditation and standards compliance.
  • Certified in CPR or able to obtain certification.
  • Capable of physically controlling violent, unruly members of the inmate population using methods established pursuant to policies, procedures, and training.
EXPERIENCE:
  • Two (2) years post secondary education or employment.
REPORTS TO: SUPERVISES:
Assistant Shift Commander None
Shift Commander
 

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