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Jailer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jailer

Lawrenceville, GA · On-site

$50K/yr

A Jailer's primary duties are to oversee individuals who have been arrested and awaiting trial. The Gwinnett County Jail is a direct supervision pretrial facility. This class is responsible for being ...

Jailer

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

$52K - $81K/yr

A Jailer's primary duties are to oversee individuals who have been arrested and awaiting trial. The Gwinnett County Jail is a direct supervision pretrial facility. This class is responsible for being ...

JAILER

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$27.83 - $34.71/hr

Non-Exempt This is a specialized non-law enforcement position in the Jail Division of the Sheriff's Office. Employees work under close to moderate supervision in maintaining security in a modern jail ...

Jailer Summary Title: Jailer ID: 1017 Location: Cape Girardeau Department: 3010 - POLICE Salary Range: $20.10 per hour More about this job > Description General Definition of Work Performs works ...

The jailer is responsible for maintaining the safe and secure operations of the Rusk County jail as well as the custody and correctional treatment of inmates. This requires the proper knowledge of ...

Jailer

Desoto, TX · On-site

$46K - $67K/yr

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 ...

Jailer

Boone, IA · On-site

$23.84 - $28.05/hr

Primary duties include those duties assigned by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, or Jail Administrator. These duties shall include, but are not limited to: booking of prisoners, data entry, overseeing the ...

Jailer

Cairo, GA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Jailer Cairo, GA | $16.50/ Hour We are looking for a Jailer to be responsible for inmates in a jail center. You will advise inmates of their legal rights and assure that they have completed forms on ...

Jailer

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

$20.10/hr

... the jail. • Transports or releases prisoners to officers for transportation to court. • Transports work release prisoners to and from work sites. • Maintains records of property released to ...

Deputy Jailer

Burlington, KY · On-site

$23.50/hr

A Deputy Jailer is a hazardous law enforcement position that regularly requires face to face contact with inmates. Deputy Jailers need to be able to respond to situations where there may be a high ...

A Deputy Jailer is a hazardous law enforcement position that regularly requires face to face contact with inmates. Deputy Jailers need to be able to respond to situations where there may be a high ...

Hired by Sheriff/Jail Administrator with County Board approval. Subject to one (1) year probationary period. Subject to pre-employment criminal background check and driving record check. LEGISLATIVE ...

JAILER

Waco, TX · On-site

$24.63 - $27.66/hr

JAIL Opening Date: 09/08/2025 Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Central FLSA: Non-Exempt Position Summary Perform security duties maintaining order and physical custody of inmates in a jail system or ...

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 probationary period. Subject to pre-employment criminal background check and driving record check. LEGISLATIVE ...

CHIEF JAILER

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$135K - $183K/yr

CHIEF JAILER Executive Leadership Position The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Chief Jailer to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for ...

Part-Time Jailer

College Park, GA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

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

Jailer

Pomona, CA

$61K - $75K/yr

As a Jailer, you are a vital part of the justice system, helping to ensure safety, order, and care within the detention environment. The City provides a competitive and comprehensive benefits package ...

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Jailer information

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How much do jailer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for jailer in the United States is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are jailers?

Jailers, 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 order and security within the facility, supervising inmate activities, conducting inspections, and ensuring that rules and regulations are followed. Jailers also handle inmate intake and release procedures, respond to emergencies, and sometimes assist with rehabilitation programs. Their role is crucial for the safety of both inmates and staff in correctional institutions.

What do you have to do to become a jailer?

To become a jailer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete training in security procedures and jail operations. Some jurisdictions require certification or licensing, and physical fitness and good communication skills are important for the role.

How to become a jailer in Texas?

To become a jailer in Texas, applicants must meet minimum age and education requirements, pass a background check, and complete a state-approved jailer training program. Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is typically required, and candidates should have good communication skills and physical fitness for the role.

What is the difference between Jailer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectJailerCorrectional Officer
CertificationsBasic security and safety training, sometimes state-specificSimilar security training, often includes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentPrison or jail facilities, confined spacesPrison or jail facilities, patrol duties
Employer & IndustryCorrectional facilities, government agenciesCorrectional facilities, law enforcement agencies

Both jailers and correctional officers work in correctional facilities, ensuring security and safety. While their roles overlap significantly, correctional officers often have broader responsibilities, including patrol and emergency response, whereas jailers primarily focus on inmate supervision and facility security.

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

To thrive as a Jailer, you need knowledge of correctional procedures, security protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring specialized training or certifications in corrections. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and restraint techniques is typically necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment help Jailers manage inmate interactions and maintain facility safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring security, upholding regulations, and fostering a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

How much do jailers make?

Jailers, also known as detention officers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on location, experience, and the facility. Salaries can vary based on the region, shift differentials, and additional certifications or training.

What is the role of a jailer?

A jailer is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a jail or detention facility, including supervising inmates, maintaining security, and ensuring facility rules are followed. They often monitor inmates' behavior, conduct searches, and document incidents, requiring good communication skills and knowledge of safety procedures.

What Does a Jailer Do?

A jailer or correctional officer enforces the rules and regulations and maintains order within a prison or jail. In this career, you supervise all inmate activities, such as recreation and meal times. Your responsibilities also include making routine inspections of inmates’ cells and personal belongings, confiscating any contraband you find, including weapons, cell phones, or unauthorized reading material, and ensuring that the cell is secure. In addition to monitoring prisoners, you also log your actions and write reports regarding inmates and their behavior.

What are some common challenges faced by Jailers in their daily responsibilities?

Jailers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate conflicts, maintaining safety and security, and ensuring that facility rules are consistently enforced. The role requires strong communication skills to de-escalate tense situations and collaborate effectively with other correctional staff. Additionally, Jailers must stay vigilant for any signs of contraband or security breaches while balancing routine administrative tasks like logging inmate activities and supervising visitations. Adapting to shift work and handling high-stress situations are also important aspects of the job.
What cities are hiring for Jailer jobs? Cities with the most Jailer job openings:
What states have the most Jailer jobs? States with the most job openings for Jailer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jailer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,037 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Jailer

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Gwinnett County rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This is the first level of the Jailer series. A Jailer's primary duties are to oversee individuals who have been arrested and awaiting trial. The Gwinnett County Jail is a direct supervision pretrial facility. This class is responsible for being trained within the Jail Operations Division. Incumbents must obtain a state certificate from jailer's school within six months.

Hiring Bonus of $4,800

Essential Duties

  • Learning department policies and procedures and how to perform general law enforcement duties to include: responding to calls within the jail, conducting searches for contraband, ensuring the proper handling of evidence, testifying in court, and serving court orders, and special conditions within the Jail Operations Division
  • Assisting in processing paperwork for the admittance or release of inmates or detainees; searching individuals and inventorying, confiscating, or distributing property, and maintaining an accurate headcount of the facility
  • Assisting in ensuring the security and safety of the inmates by making sure they are not injured by themselves or by other inmates; performing routine cell and inmate searches to remove contraband materials and weapons; and completing applicable forms and documents, and enforcing write-ups
  • Assisting other agencies in transferring inmates to other facilities and ensuring proper documentation and recording is complete
  • Issuing clothing; performing inmate meal distribution and commissary distribution; overseeing recreation activities and overseeing operation of cafeteria and laundry services
  • Providing orientation information to inmates including visitation sign-ups, medical, mental health information, GRIP information, court dates, and bail and bond information
  • Escorting inmates or detainees throughout the facility for special programs, medical appointments, mental health appointments and court appearances
  • Maintaining daily logs of shift activities, preparing various reports

Other Job Requirements/Information

  • This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing.
  • This job requires a public safety background check to include motor vehicle histories, criminal histories, credit check, and fingerprinting.
  • This job may require 24 hour on-call assignment, overtime or working weekends, holidays, 10 hour, 12 hour, and rotating shifts

Company Description

The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is committed to provide our community with employees who are professional, efficient and well trained with access to the most up-to-date technology. As the demands rise, this department will continue to strive to maintain the highest law enforcement standards possible.
This position is responsible for preparing safety and security. This position is considered safety sensitive and will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Gwinnett County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is approximately 800,000 square feet, making it one of the largest jails in the country. Just under 1 million square feet, the facility is large enough to fit 20 full-size football fields. In any given year, 35,000 to 37,000 individuals are incarcerated at the Gwinnett County Jail. The Gwinnett County Jail is classified as a Direct Supervision Pretrial Detention Center and has a maximum capacity to house 2,600 inmates. The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office consists of 3 buildings, 41 housing units, and 14 security stations.

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