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Jail Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

... jail as required. * Determines appropriate actions to be taken by weighing evidence and applying ... operating condition. * Determines content for various public safety programs such as crime ...

Jail Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$25

$36

How much do jail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail operator in Chicago, IL is $25.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jail operator?

Jail operators, also known as correctional officers or detention officers, are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail. Their duties include maintaining security and order within the facility, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that jail rules and regulations are followed. They also respond to emergencies, escort inmates, and assist with rehabilitation efforts. Jail operators play a crucial role in maintaining safety for both inmates and staff within correctional institutions.

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

To thrive as a Jail Operator, you need a thorough understanding of correctional procedures, safety protocols, and laws governing inmate management, often acquired through specialized training or certification such as a corrections academy. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and offender management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, situational awareness, and resilience help operators maintain order and effectively handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and smooth operation of correctional facilities.

What are some of the common challenges faced by jail operators during daily shifts?

Jail operators often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and responding quickly to emergencies. The environment can be high-pressure, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under stress. Operators must also ensure that procedures are followed correctly and that the rights of inmates are respected, which can be demanding but is critical for facility operations.

What is the difference between Jail Operator vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJail OperatorCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic training
Work EnvironmentJail facilities, security checkpointsPrison or jail facilities, patrol duties
Employer & IndustryLocal jails, detention centersState and federal prisons, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for security roles in detentionMore comprehensive security and inmate management

Jail Operators primarily focus on security and operational tasks within jail facilities, often with specific certifications. Correctional Officers have broader responsibilities, including inmate supervision and security across various detention settings. Both roles are essential in the criminal justice system but differ in scope and duties.

Can you work as a jail operator without a degree?

Jail operators typically do not need a college degree but must meet other requirements such as a high school diploma or equivalent, background checks, and training. Relevant skills include communication, security procedures, and knowledge of jail operations, and some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the jurisdiction.

What are popular job titles related to Jail Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Jail Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Jail Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Jail Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

FLEX Regional Software Specialist

Motorola Solutions

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.

Department OverviewCommand Center Software (CCSW) organization is the team that supports deployment and support services for our public safety agencies throughout the world. We are committed to providing services for our customers who use MSI products; allowing them to focus on their mission and enable them to respond faster. Our field teams are focused on providing services and administration of various public safety software products such as 9-1-1 Call Handling, Real-Time Crime Center, Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management Systems, Jail Management Systems and Mobile Data Computing, among other offerings.Job Description

This position is a Motorola Solutions FLEX Regional Software Specialist for the FLEX CAD, RMS, Mobile and Jail Systems in the Central Region (ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY). The Regional Software Specialist will be responsible for supporting various customers within the territory with functions and products that are part of the Motorola FLEX deployments, related services, and interfaces. The primary responsibility of the Regional Software Specialist is to provide onsite technical support and customer service in addition to working with customers remotely. They will build and maintain positive, effective, and mutually beneficial working alliances with the customer; initiate problem-solving action and follow through to resolution; execute customer requests for system and process changes.

This is a remote position working with & traveling to customers in the CCSW CENTRAL REGION. TO INCLUDE ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY

Responsibilities of the FLEX Regional Software Specialistinclude but are not limited to:

  • Provide onsite technical support and customer service in addition to working with customers remotely

  • Provide expertise and make decisions based on best practices, technical requirements, and/or customer's business needs.

  • Initiate problem-solving action and follow through to resolution; execute customer requests for system and process changes

  • Build relationships with customers in order to provide an individualized support experience to achieve customer satisfaction

  • Build relationships with the Motorola Technical Support team to collaborate and act as liaison with other technicians, stakeholders, and internal MSI teams to provide exceptional customer service as it pertains to software support

  • 50-75% Travel Requirements

  • This position is subject to working in high-security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent fingerprint background check

Specific Knowledge/Skills:

  • 3+ years of Customer Service/Support experience

  • 2+ years experience within FLEX software preferred

  • Excellent problem-solving capabilities

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Must have strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Effective time management skills required

  • Proficient computer skills with emphasis on Windows based applications

  • Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems preferred

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills required.

  • 50-75% Travel Requirements

  • Demonstrates a high degree of drive and determination; willing to go the extra mile to provide outstanding customer service

  • Ability to work and make decisions with minimal supervision.

This position is subject to working in high-security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent fingerprint background check administered by Motorola Solutions Inc. customers.

Target Base Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.

#LI-BA1

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-HYBRID

Basic Requirements
  • High School diploma and 3+ years of Customer Service/Support experience

  • Candidates must live in one of the States listed above and have a valid driver's license

  • Must be able to obtain a background clearance as required by ourgovernment customers

Travel Requirements50-75%Relocation ProvidedNonePosition TypeExperiencedReferral Payment PlanYes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


What Motorola Solutions employees say

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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928