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Jail Security Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IL

$49K - $77K/yr

Clair County Jail, ensuring inmate welfare, maintenance of jail security, and adherence to both ... guarding of inmates during recreational activities, interviews, and visitations; the inspection of ...

Security Guard

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Prioritize the safety and well-being of others, both inside and outside a jail environment. * Treat all individuals with respect, regardless of background or socio-economic status. * Uphold integrity ...

This position provides security for inmates in the Liberty County Jail. MAJOR DUTIES * Enforces ... Guards facility entrances and screens visitors. * Participates in the provision of meals ...

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Armed Security Guard

Buckhead, GA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

YOU MUST have a clear criminal background (This means you have never been processed in a jail ... Company Description Security Consultants & Accurate Responder Services (SCAR Services) has been ...

Jail Corporal

Monroe, WI · On-site

$60K/yr

Special assignment opportunities available in Honor Guard ? Incentive pay for physical readiness ... Maintain safety, security and discipline in the Jail, intervene to stop disturbances, conduct ...

Special assignment opportunities available in Honor Guard . Incentive pay for physical readiness ... Maintain safety, security and discipline in the Jail, intervene to stop disturbances, conduct ...

Security Staff

Kalispell, MT

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement ... Security Staff Location: Kalispell Requisition ID: 26141438

... Honor Guard Incentive pay for physical readiness. Experienced applicants may qualify for our ... security and discipline in the jail, intervening to stop disturbances, conducting searches and ...

Jailer/Dispatcher

Pipestone, MN · On-site

$26.40 - $35.63/hr

Hired by Sheriff/Jail Administrator with County Board approval. Subject to one (1) year ... Guards against suicides, escapes, and fights. Maintains all security devices and runs video ...

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Jail Security Guard information

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How much do jail security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail security guard in the United States is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do prisons have security guards?

Yes, prisons employ security guards, often called correctional officers or detention officers, to oversee inmate safety and maintain order. These guards monitor activities through surveillance, conduct regular patrols, and enforce facility rules, typically requiring training and certification. Their presence is essential for security within correctional facilities.

What are Jail Security Guards?

Jail Security Guards are professionals responsible for maintaining safety, order, and security within correctional facilities such as jails or detention centers. Their duties include supervising inmates, conducting searches for contraband, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. They also assist with inmate transport and ensure that facility procedures are followed to prevent escapes or disturbances. Jail Security Guards play a critical role in protecting both staff and inmates while upholding the facility’s regulations.

What does a correctional security guard do?

A correctional security guard, also known as a jail security guard, is responsible for monitoring and controlling access to correctional facilities, ensuring the safety of staff and inmates. They conduct patrols, check for security breaches, enforce rules, and may use surveillance equipment to maintain order within the facility.

What is the highest paid security guard job?

The highest paid security guard jobs are typically in specialized fields such as executive protection, corporate security management, or security consulting, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced training, certifications, or experience in high-risk environments tend to offer higher compensation.

How much do guards in jail make?

Jail security guards 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 guards or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented by shift differentials and overtime opportunities.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Jail Security Guards in their daily duties?

Jail Security Guards often encounter challenges such as managing confrontational or distressed inmates, maintaining vigilance during long shifts, and responding quickly to emergencies. They must balance enforcing rules with treating inmates respectfully, which requires strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to constantly changing situations and working closely with colleagues to ensure safety and security are integral parts of the role.

What is the difference between Jail Security Guard vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJail Security GuardCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, security trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional training
Work EnvironmentJail or detention center, security-focusedPrison or detention facility, security and supervision
Employer & IndustryLocal jails, detention centersState or federal prisons, detention facilities

Jail Security Guards primarily focus on maintaining security within jails, monitoring inmates, and preventing escapes. Correctional Officers have broader responsibilities, including inmate management, enforcing rules, and ensuring safety in correctional facilities. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but Correctional Officers typically have more comprehensive duties and authority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Jail Security Guard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jail Security Guard, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, conflict resolution, and legal procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification in corrections. Familiarity with surveillance systems, radio communication devices, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help guards effectively manage inmate behavior and maintain safety. These skills are crucial for ensuring facility security, preventing incidents, and fostering a safe environment for both staff and inmates.
What cities are hiring for Jail Security Guard jobs? Cities with the most Jail Security Guard job openings:
What states have the most Jail Security Guard jobs? States with the most job openings for Jail Security Guard jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jail Security Guard job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.
Correctional Officer-Jail

$49K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description Under direct supervision, monitors and supervises the movement and activities of inmates at the St. Clair County Jail, ensuring inmate welfare, maintenance of jail security, and adherence to both departmental policy and applicable state statute; performs related booking, admitting, and release functions. Examples of Duties Receives books, and admits incoming prisoners; photographs, fingerprints, and searches prisoners; inventories property and assigns storage lockers; completes required paper work; orders showers, issues jail uniforms and assigns prisoners to cell blocks Releases prisoners meeting bond requirements, those exonerated in the court system, and inmates having fulfilled jail terms; checks release papers, verifies identity of prisoner being released, and returns clothing and other possessions.

Performs duties in the maintenance of jail security to include, but not to be limited to, the following: the performance of headcounts; 30-minute cell checks; the supervision of all inmate movement within the facility; shakedowns of inmates and quarters; the guarding of inmates during recreational activities, interviews, and visitations; the inspection of items and persons entering and leaving jail areas the quelling of disturbances; and the transportation of persons to and from court appearances. Supervises tenders in the service of meals to inmates, ensuring that each inmate receives only one meal tray and that all trays and utensils are returned following meal service. Issues medications to inmates for whom they have been prescribed; notifies superior authority of inmate requests for medical attention and preforms first aid in emergency situations.

Operates jail commissary; controls commissary bank; issues monies to inmates from their accounts and records transactions; monitors commissary room activity. Supervises tenders in the performance of custodial/housekeeping functions to include the cleaning of cell block areas and corridors, the laundering of bedding and uniforms, and similar activities. Remains observant of inmate attitude/behavior; maintains control over behavior and circumstances which are potentially volatile; directs inmate compliance with jail rules and regulations; reports infractions, prepares incident reports, and files charges against inmates as needed.

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Typical Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. Education: Requires knowledge , skill, and mental development.

High School diploma. Requires successful completion of the Correctional Officer's Training Program though the State of Illinois, Department of Corrections within a reasonable period od time following employment. Requires successful competition of the Mandatory Firearms Training Program through the local Government Law Enforcement Officers Training Board within a reasonable period of time following employment.

Supplemental Information Requires possession of a valid Illinois Vehicle Operator's License in the appropriate classification required by law. Requires elementary knowledge of the "Illinois County Jail Standards," as issued by the state of Illinois, Department of Corrections. Requires elementary knowledge of departmental rules and regulations governing jail facility operations.

Requires elementary knowledge of the theories, methods, and procedures utilized in maintaining the security of a correctional facility. Requires elementary knowledge of the activities and interrelationships of the various functional components of the criminal justice system. Requires elementary knowledge of first aid.

Requires alertness and the ability to maintain jail security in accordance with facility rules and regulations and applicable law. Requires ability to supervise the activities of inmates in accordance with facility rules and standards guiding their handling and conduct. Requires ability to comprehend the special problems of and deal humanely with individuals in confinement.

Requires ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and decisively. Requires ability to function effectively under conditions of stress. Requires ability to justify and document chosen courses of action.

Requires ability to employ both authority and firmness in all transactions with inmates. Requires ability to prepare requisite records and reports. Requires ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public. **You are required to be a resident of St. Clair County within 1 year of hire** Educational Pay: Extra Pay - $300 / year - Bachelors Degree Extra Pay - $450 / year - Master's Degree.