1

Master Detention Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Detention Officer: $45,789.00 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION ... Assists at the Master Control Center, as assigned: controls doors and gates; conducts and logs ...

Detention Officer

Lillington, NC · On-site

$33K - $46K/yr

Detention Officer: $45,789.00 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION ... Assists at the Master Control Center, as assigned: controls doors and gates; conducts and logs ...

Juvenile Detention Officer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

Juvenile Detention Officers may be eligible for the following additional pay premiums above the posted base salary: education level premiums for Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees, bilingual ...

Juvenile Detention Officers may be eligible for the following additional pay premiums above the posted base salary: education level premiums for Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees, bilingual ...

DETENTION OFFICER I

Brunswick, GA · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Maintains/assures the security of detention center; operates master control board and monitors ... Detention Officer MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: A high school diploma or GED is ...

Detention Officer

Midland, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

County Sheriff/Detention/CWP Opening Date: 05/05/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Summary Please ... Operates jail control panel and master control panel. * Other duties may be assigned. * Enforces ...

Operates jail control panel and master control panel. Other duties may be assigned. Enforces penal code, traffic code, and family code laws. Regular and timely attendance is required Must possess the ...

The Juvenile Detention Officer I must obtain 40 hours of on-the-job training with an additional 120 ... master control panel. Communicates by telephone and in person with law enforcement officials ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Master Detention Officer information

See salary details

$25.5K

$50.2K

$79.5K

How much do master detention officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for master detention officer in the United States is $50,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Master Detention Officer requires a comprehensive understanding of correctional procedures, crisis management, and security protocols, typically backed by law enforcement or criminal justice training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and use of restraint devices is essential. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining safety, ensuring proper inmate management, and upholding facility standards.

What are Master Detention Officers?

Master Detention Officers are experienced correctional professionals responsible for overseeing the safety, security, and order within detention facilities such as jails or prisons. They typically supervise both inmates and junior staff, enforce facility rules, conduct searches, and respond to emergencies. The 'master' designation often indicates a higher level of training, responsibility, and leadership within the corrections department. Their duties may also include training new officers and ensuring compliance with regulations and protocols. Master Detention Officers play a crucial role in maintaining a secure and humane environment within detention centers.

What education is needed to be a detention officer?

To become a Master Detention Officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some agencies prefer or require additional post-secondary education or specialized training in criminal justice or law enforcement, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests.

How much do wake county cops make?

A Master Detention Officer's salary varies by location and experience, but generally ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 annually. Factors such as certifications, shift differentials, and years of service can influence pay rates in detention facilities.

What is the difference between Master Detention Officer vs Detention Officer?

AspectMaster Detention OfficerDetention Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certifications, experience in detention facilitiesHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic security training
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, detention centersCorrectional facilities, detention centers
ResponsibilitiesSupervising inmates, enforcing rules, managing staffMonitoring inmates, conducting security checks, enforcing rules

The main difference between a Master Detention Officer and a Detention Officer lies in experience and responsibilities. Master Detention Officers typically have more experience, additional certifications, and oversee more complex tasks or staff, whereas Detention Officers focus on daily security and inmate monitoring. Both roles operate within correctional facilities and share similar work environments, but the Master Detention Officer often holds a leadership or specialized role.

What is the highest paid correctional officer?

The highest paid correctional officers are typically those with advanced experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost regions, earning salaries that can exceed $70,000 annually. Factors such as supervisory roles, certifications, and overtime can also increase compensation for master detention officers or similar positions within correctional facilities.

Do detention officers carry guns?

Detention officers typically do not carry firearms as part of their standard duties; their primary responsibilities involve supervision and maintaining order within detention facilities. However, some facilities may have security personnel or specialized units that are armed, and officers may receive training in self-defense and use-of-force protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Master Detention Officers and how can they be managed?

Master Detention Officers often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff, and maintaining order within the facility. Effective communication, strong conflict-resolution skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for overcoming these challenges. Continuous training and support from a collaborative team environment help officers stay prepared and resilient, allowing them to respond appropriately to incidents and maintain a secure facility.
More about Master Detention Officer jobs
Infographic showing various Master Detention Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,155 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Detention Officer

$45K - $75K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY POSITION SUMMARY: An employee in this position performs inmate detention work on a shift in the Harnett County Detention Center for the Office of the Sheriff. This includes observing and accompanying inmates inside the detention center along with related care and record keeping requirements. Detention Officer: $45,789.00 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Receives inmates by conducting search, completing required intake forms, photographing and fingerprinting, and securing personal property

Oversees the security and activities of inmates; supervises meals and cleaning of facilities; distributes personal property; monitors inmates' medical status; and takes actions when illness or injury is suspected. Provides non?confidential inmate information to the public, attorney, and bond personnel; maintains files on inmates; searches incoming property delivered to inmates; and verifies visitor acceptance by inmate. Releases inmates on bond due to court order or time served; ensures release papers are proper and complete; returns personal property to individual, and completes forms providing required documentation of release.

Writes reports; maintains records. Makes sure jail is secure; enforces rules; maintains order; takes care of law-and-order situations in the jail; monitors security cameras; and keeps a careful watch on the inmates. Answers phones.

Facilities transportation to/from court and medical care. Coordinates court activities with court clerks, bailiffs, and district attorney. Conducts background checks.

Supervises cleaning and maintenance of detention facilities and fixtures. Assists at the Master Control Center, as assigned: controls doors and gates; conducts and logs periodic checks on communication systems, alarms, electric gates, intercoms, phones, and visual recording systems; notifies supervisor on any alarms; contacts local law enforcement as instructed; and maintains communications with any area of facility experiencing disturbances. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or equivalent; No experience required; Or equivalent education and/or experience. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Completion of the minimum requirements of Detention Officer Certification Training Standard established by the state of North Carolina for Detention Officers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to inmate sentencing, pretrial conditions and release. Knowledge of policies and procedures covering inmate security, classification, care, and discipline. Skill in dealing tactfully and firmly with inmates and the public.

Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing. Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations. Ability to work in a hazardous and confining work environment.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, inmates and their families, employees, and the public. Ability to actively listen to inmate conversations and sounds in the facility and exercise judgment in determining potential security problems.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to process records and reports, work with color or depth perception, observe activities in the jail, determine accuracy/neatness/thoroughness of work assigned, operate office/detention center equipment, and inspect for defects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee is subject to hazards associated: with custody work including working in inside environments; with exposure to various hazards such as noise, a variety of physical conditions, and close quarters; and with exposure to human body fluid and thus are subject to OSHA requirements on blood borne pathogens. Employees may be assigned to work any shift and come in frequent contact with violent, suicidal, and mentally unstable inmates.