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Jail Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$37.78 - $46.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Clark County Jail Services is seeking dedicated lateral candidates to join our team and play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of our community from the inside. As a Lateral ...

  • Retirement

Coordinate and communicate with jail administration as necessary * Participate in meetings with jail administration, Sheriffs, and/or other county officials as needed; work with off-site healthcare ...

Physician

Maryville, TN · On-site

$200 - $225/hr

  • Medical

Physician Blount County Jail TN - Maryville, TN 37804 Overview Salary Range $200.00 - $225.00 Hourly Physician (MD/DO REQUIRED) - Part-Time Blount County Jail - Tennessee ~4 Hours Onsite Per Week ...

Corrections Deputy

Clinton, TN · On-site

$18.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In a Direct Supervision jail, corrections staff controls behavior of the jail population through a proactive concept based on direct inmate supervision. In this setting, inmates are given the ...

Corrections Deputy

Clinton, TN

$18.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In a Direct Supervision jail, corrections staff controls behavior of the jail population through a proactive concept based on direct inmate supervision. In this setting, inmates are given the ...

Correctional LPN / LVN

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Loudon County Jail TN - Lenoir City, TN 37771Salary Range: $29.00 - $29.00 HourlyJoin the TK Health team providing patient care where the need is highest. We are a correctional healthcare provider ...

Correctional LPN / LVN

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Wilson County Jail TN - Lebanon, TN 37087Salary Range: $30.00 - $32.00 HourlyJob Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Join the TK Health team providing patient care where the need is highest. We are ...

Correctional LPN / LVN

Franklin, TN · On-site

$31 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Williamson County Jail TN - Franklin, TN 37064Salary Range: $31.00 - $34.00 HourlyJob Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Join TK Health Clinics team providing patient care where the need is ...

Correctional LPN / LVN

Madisonville, TN · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Monroe County Jail TN - Madisonville, TN 37354Salary Range: $28.00 - $30.00 HourlyJob Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Join the TK Health team, providing patient care where the need is highest.

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Jail information

See Tennessee salary details

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How much do jail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for jail in Tennessee is $22.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jailer?

A jailer, also known as a correctional officer, is responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in a jail facility. Their duties include maintaining order, enforcing rules, supervising inmate activities, and ensuring the security and safety of both inmates and staff. Jailers may also conduct inspections, search for contraband, and assist in the transportation of inmates. The role requires strong communication, observation skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jail correctional officer?

To thrive as a Jail Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and a solid understanding of security procedures and inmate management. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and emergency response protocols is typically required, along with completion of a training academy or state certification. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers manage inmate interactions and diffuse tense situations. These skills are essential for maintaining safety, enforcing rules, and ensuring the effective operation of correctional facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in a jail setting?

Correctional officers in jails often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and dealing with high-stress situations. They must remain vigilant at all times to prevent incidents and ensure the well-being of both inmates and staff. Additionally, working in a jail requires strong interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflicts and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Teamwork is essential, as officers regularly collaborate with colleagues, medical staff, and administrative personnel to manage daily operations and respond to emergencies.

What is the difference between Jail vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJailCorrectional Officer
Work EnvironmentShort-term detention facilities, local jailsLong-term facilities, prisons, detention centers
ResponsibilitiesDetain and process inmates, maintain securitySupervise inmates, enforce rules, ensure safety
CredentialsHigh school diploma, background checkHigh school diploma, training, certification
EmployerLocal government, sheriff's officeState or federal correctional agencies

Jails are short-term detention facilities managed by local authorities, primarily for individuals awaiting trial or serving brief sentences. Correctional officers work in these facilities, overseeing inmate safety and security. While both roles involve detention, correctional officers may work in various correctional settings, including prisons, with additional responsibilities and training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Jail jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Jail jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Jail jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Jail job openings:

Infographic showing various Jail job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,204 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Jail Processing Assistant (Sheriff)

Shelby County

Memphis, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Summary 

Works under general supervision to perform difficult and responsible clerical work and duties in the areas of Intake, Release, and Classification.  Prepares inmate's paperwork as it relates to processing into or release from the jail system and ensures the legality of commitment or release.

Pay Grade: 41

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education
Minimum Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of experience in appropriate clerical, bookkeeping, data processing, or statistical experience; AND
  • High school diploma or possess a GED.
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
     

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Performs intake responsibilities which include arrest ticket check to ensure vital information is included; takes fingerprints and photographs to identify and match repeat offenders with their records and identifications.
  • Assigns to first time offenders a new record and identification number and booking number; prepares armband for inmate by obtaining information from documents received.
  • Generates a verification sheet (Hit Sheet) through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
  • Reads and interprets criminal history checks to determine if inmates are wanted and require fugitive holds to be placed.
  • Performs a pre-assessment of inmate's physical appearance to determine if they display immediate need for medical attention.
  • Enters information into the Jail Management System ensuring all required information is entered correctly.
  • Reviews, researches, and interprets received legal documents generated by courts, federal, state, and local agencies and compares them to information entered into JMS to ensure matching data.
  • Retrieves approved releases and ensures inmates are called down to be released in a timely manner.
  • Generates a final release document through the Jail management System (JMS).
  • Generates a list of inmates to be distributed to required staff to ensure inmates are released to proper authorities.
  • Provides information to staff assigned to the release area if time has expired.
  • Complies all related information with the use of JMS, JSS, and TOMIS and provides to assigned lead to review before the inmate is released.
  • Works with the Judicial Commission to ensure inmates are acceptable to enter into the jail system.
  • Maintains a log each inmate booked in JMS, denied by the commissioner, transported to MMHI and adds on tickets.
  • Communicates with Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) coordinator pertaining to criminal history checks on inmates who are housed in the facility.
  • Communicates with post-conviction agencies as necessary.
  • Prepares and maintains statistical reports which are given to the processing managers.
  • Performs related responsibilities as required or directed. 
     

KSAs

  • Knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules and regulations affecting the record keeping operations of a department and skill in applying them.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and maintain an even flow of work.
  • Ability to maintain continuous mental alertness and reasoning ability.
  • Ability to spell, punctuate, and use grammar correctly.
  • Ability to deal courteously with the public, co-workers, and inmates to resolve problem situations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
     

Special Requirements

  • Must be available to work shifts, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be able to work in a jail/secured environment.
  • Must pass criminal background check.
     

Disclaimer

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shallnotapply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.Â