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Jail Security Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Lawns

Deputy Sheriff

Richmond, VA · On-site

... jail deputy positions, corrections officer jobs, entry-level law enforcement, federal law enforcement, state trooper, security guard, and/or police jobs (cop). This non patrol role is ideal for those ...

Boone County Fiscal Court

Deputy Jailer

Burlington, KY · On-site

Ability to guard duty at a hospital for an entire shift as required. * Ability to serve and file ... Monitor the security cameras and audio speakers throughout the jail. * Communicate effectively with ...

Boone County Fiscal Court

Deputy Jailer

Burlington, KY · On-site

Ability to guard duty at a hospital for an entire shift as required. * Ability to serve and file ... Monitor the security cameras and audio speakers throughout the jail. * Communicate effectively with ...

Boone County Kentucky

Deputy Jailer

Burlington, KY · On-site

$23.50/hr

Ability to guard duty at a hospital for an entire shift as required. * Ability to serve and file ... Monitor the security cameras and audio speakers throughout the jail. * Communicate effectively with ...

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Jail Security Guard information

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How much do jail security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

What is a jail security guard?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail security guard?

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 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.

How much do jail security guards get paid in the US?

Jail security guards in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced guards or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits such as overtime and shift differentials.

What is required to be a jail security guard?

To become a jail security guard, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete training in security procedures and emergency response. Some jurisdictions require certification or licensing, and physical fitness is often necessary due to the demands of the job.

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:

What are popular job titles related to Jail Security Guard jobs?

For Jail Security Guard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Jail Security Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jail Security Guard job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.

Facility Security Officer

Columbus, OH • On-site

Franklin County Sheriff's Office, OH
See more jobs at Franklin County Sheriff's Office, OHexternal

$52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct specialized screening of persons, vehicles, packages, and mail entering secured county facilities according to operating procedures.

  • Assist in the placement, removal, and testing of security equipment, and conduct interior and perimeter security checks at county facilities.

  • Conduct investigations and prepare incident reports on accidents, complaints, vandalism, thefts, and safety issues.

Job description

Salary : $52,624.00 Annually
Location : 373 S. High Street, Columbus, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00116
Sheriff's Office: Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Division: Security Operations
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
Conduct specialized screening at screening points for all persons and vehicles, packages, and mail entering secured county facilities according to operating procedures. Assist in the placement and removal of items on screening equipment. Test equipment daily to ensure proper operation. Provide escort services (i.e., housekeepers, contractors, parking facility attendants, handicap individuals, etc.).
Conducts investigations and prepare incident reports on accidents, complaints, vandalism, thefts, and safety issues. Assist in building emergencies (i.e., fire, tornado, bomb, evaluations, etc.). Collect, record, and enter security data into designated computer programs.
Conduct interior and perimeter security checks at county facilities that include the opening and closing of facilities. Perform added tasks as ordered by supervision.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, agency policy and procedures, and public relations. Have skill in equipment operation (security equipment operation, motorized vehicle, short-wave radio, first aid, firefighting), Ability to reason and deal with variety of variables in somewhat unfamiliar context. Ability to complete routine forms and prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability for interpersonal work in isolation and work alone on most tasks.
Unusual Working Conditions
Ability to walk, stand, or sit for extended or intermittent periods of time.
Sheriff's Office Core Competencies
  1. Commitment to Organizational Culture: Works with intention to support and promote organizational culture, transforms operational philosophy into action. Emphasizes service, collaboration, and integrity.
  2. Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness, expressiveness, empathy, authenticity, sympathy, emotional connection with others to create trust.
  3. Integrity and Credibility: Walks the talk, knows what's right and does it. Effectively applies values and principles in specific situations. Encourages others to behave with integrity.
  4. Teamwork and Cooperation: Crossing boundaries, coordinating groups, makes effective use of all available talent, focused on serving the public together.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office offers eligible full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
The following are provided to eligible full-time employees at no cost:
  • EAP (no cost)
  • Life Insurance of $50,000
More information regarding Franklin County employee benefits offered, can be available upon request or by visiting our website:
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you willing to submit to a computer voice stress analysis examination?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Would you accept this position with the rate of pay being $25.30 per hour?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you willing to work 2nd Shift (3:00 pm until 11:00 pm)?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you willing to work 3rd Shift (11:00 pm until 7:00 am)?
  • Yes
  • No

06
This position requires working holidays and every weekend. Are you willing to fulfill this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Per our policy, employees cannot have hand, neck, face, or head tattoos. Do you have tattoos on your hands, neck, face or head?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you have experience as a security officer or a security guard for a public or private industry?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Do you have prior experience in security specialized training (i.e. handheld metal detectors, upright metal detectors, x-ray machines, etc.)?
  • Yes
  • No

10
If you answered "Yes" to question #9, please explain in detail what your experience is. If "No", please put N/A.
11
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) OF 2003This question consists of 4 parts, (A) through (D) inclusive, as shown in the boxes below. All four parts must be answered.In accordance with Federal law, the Franklin County Sheriff Office shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with inmates who:(A) Has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution.Have you engaged in sexual abuse as described in (A) above?
  • Yes
  • No

12
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) OF 2003 (Continued)(B) Has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse.Have you been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity as described in (B) above?
  • Yes
  • No

13
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) OF 2003 (Continued)(C) Have you been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in (B) above?
  • Yes
  • No

14
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) OF 2003 (Continued)(D) Have you been the subject of a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse or sexual harassment or resigned during a pending investigation of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment?
  • Yes
  • No

15
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. Please note that as part of the screening process, your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general application materials.By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

16
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my email address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information, visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and then follow the prompts.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

Required Question

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