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Jailer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Boone County Iowa

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 ...

Dubuque County

Correctional Officer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$66K - $83K/yr

Patrolling jail area periodically to ensure security and maintain order; Supervising inmates during meals, exercise, work, recreation, and personal hygiene and related activities for conformance to ...

Dallas County

FT Correctional Officer (Male Only)

Adel, IA · On-site

$28.83 - $33.14/hr

This position is responsible for the protection, welfare, safety, custody and control of inmates incarcerated in the Dallas County Jail. Duties shall include, but are not limited to: booking of ...

Scott County (IA)

Inmate Services Specialist

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $71K/yr

Organizes, files, and prepares inmate files and jail administrative records for scanning; purges files in accordance with prescribed procedure. Compiles and maintains inmate statistics and prepares ...

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Jailer information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$22

How much do jailer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for jailer in Iowa is $22.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.26 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jailer?

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 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 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.

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 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.

Do jailers make good money?

Jailers, also known as correctional officers, typically earn a median annual salary that varies by location and experience, often ranging from $35,000 to $60,000. Salaries can increase with overtime, seniority, and specialized training, and the job may include shift work and security responsibilities.

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 employer, shift differentials, and additional certifications or training.

Is it hard to be a jailer?

Being a jailer can be physically and emotionally demanding due to the need to supervise inmates, ensure safety, and handle potentially volatile situations. The job often requires good communication skills, adherence to strict protocols, and sometimes working irregular hours or shifts. Training and certifications in security and safety procedures are typically required.
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The top searched job categories for Jailer jobs in Iowa are:

Jailer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jailer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,355 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Jailer

Boone County Iowa

Boone, IA • On-site

$23.84 - $28.05/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description:

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 general health and welfare of prisoners, feeding of prisoners, general cleaning and maintenance of the jail facility, record keeping, escorting inmates to court, and any other duties as pertains to the orderly operation of the Boone County Jail. Additionally, this officer will be required to work any holidays and weekends his/her shift may fall upon. Will be required to change the hours of his/her workday to fill in when needed on other existing shifts or special circumstances as deemed necessary by the Sheriff, or their designee. Correctional Officers work 12-hour rotating shifts.  The Boone County Correctional Officers are considered essential personnel.  Shifts are 12-hours and include nights and weekends. 

Requirements:
  • Will report on time, will be neat in appearance, in a clean County issued uniform.
  • Performs booking, fingerprinting and photographing of inmates.
  • Performs requirements of inmate releases.  
  • Assures that a subject to be jailed is under a valid charge and receives original or copy of written charge from the detaining officer, or commitment papers, etc.,  
  • Conducts strip searches including body cavity searches when necessary, searches personal effects to eliminate contraband, and issues jail clothing.
  • Effectively communicate with inmates and the public, including minors, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes. 
  • Keep cells and areas of access to inmates clean and clear of all objects and materials, which could be used as a weapon. This includes sweeping, mopping, and scrubs and vacuums hallways, stairs and jail office space.
  • Perform rescue functions in case of emergencies and disasters to include standing for long periods of time, administering basic emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from confined areas. 
  • Must have reliable attendance and be able to respond in emergency and on-call.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions required of an employee assigned to this classification.

Must be able to work rotating 12-hour shifts. Applicants must have sufficient dexterity to manipulate keys and keyboards, operate levers and buttons, manually operate heavy doors and to count, collect and inventory small items.  Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for long periods of time. Stooping, dragging, and kneeling may also be required for extended periods of time. Physical control holds, handcuffing, and maneuvering up to 50 or more pounds.  This is not an exhaustive list of required essential qualifications.  Great pressure and fatigue are present in this position due to exposure to stressful situations.

Correctional Officers must exhibit a history and characteristics of honesty, reliability, ability to manage personal finances, interpersonal skill and integrity.


Boone County is an Equal Opportunity Employer