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Prison Guard Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO ยท On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

... prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in ...

Corrections Officer - Part Time

Troy, MO ยท On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

... prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in ...

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO ยท On-site

$21.25/hr

... prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in ...

Corrections Officer

Troy, MO

$41K - $54K/yr

... prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in ...

... prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in ...

Prison Guard information

See Missouri salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do prison guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison guard in Missouri is $17.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison guard?

Prison guards, also known as correctional 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 or prison. Their primary duty is to maintain order, enforce rules and regulations, and ensure the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the facility. Prison guards also supervise inmate activities, conduct inspections, and respond to emergencies. They play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and safe incarceration of offenders.

What does a prison guard do?

As a prison guard, your job is to maintain the custody and security of each inmate at your jail. Prison guards also enforce rules, keep watch for new criminal conduct, maintain discipline, and uphold all relevant laws and regulations. You may also screen visitors, escort offenders, handle and train canines, manage inventories, and observe the conduct of inmates. You may be asked to prepare reports, respond during emergencies, make decisions quickly while in high-pressure situations, and maintain poise and self-confidence at all times. Other aspects of this job depend on the wishes of the warden, who supervises all prison operations. Prison guards are also known as correctional officers, and many job listings use this title.

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

To thrive as a Prison Guard, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic law enforcement or corrections training, and knowledge of security protocols. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and restraint equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, situational awareness, and conflict resolution abilities help maintain safety and order within the facility. These skills are vital for ensuring a secure environment, protecting staff and inmates, and effectively managing challenging situations.

What are some common challenges prison guards face when working with inmates, and how are these challenges typically managed?

Prison guards frequently encounter challenges such as managing inmate conflicts, maintaining safety, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, adherence to strict protocols, and regular training in crisis intervention are key to managing these challenges. Guards often work closely with other officers and support staff to ensure a secure environment and prevent incidents. Building professional relationships with inmates, while maintaining clear boundaries, also helps minimize tensions and contribute to a safer facility.

What is the difference between Prison Guard vs Correctional Officer?

AspectPrison GuardCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some states require training certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; state certification often required
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centers, security postsPrisons, jails, detention facilities
Employer & IndustryState or federal correctional facilitiesState and federal correctional institutions
Job RoleSupervises inmates, enforces rules, maintains securitySupervises inmates, monitors activities, ensures safety

Prison Guard and Correctional Officer roles are similar, both working in correctional facilities to supervise inmates and maintain security. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Correctional Officer' is the more common and official title across most jurisdictions. Both positions require similar credentials and work environments, focusing on inmate supervision and safety.

How much do prison guards get paid in the US?

Prison guards in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, though this can vary based on experience, location, and facility type. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced guards or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and overtime opportunities.

How to become a prison guard?

To become a prison guard, applicants typically need to meet age and education requirements, pass a background check, and complete training at a state-certified academy. In some cases, passing a written exam and physical fitness test is also required before employment.

Is being a prison guard a good career?

Prison guards, also known as correctional officers, work in correctional facilities to supervise inmates and maintain security. The job offers a stable salary, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but it can involve high stress, exposure to violence, and irregular shifts. Success in this career often requires good communication skills, physical fitness, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Prison Guard jobs in Missouri?

For Prison Guard jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Prison Guard jobs in MO?

For Prison Guard jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prison Guard job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,136 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Corrections Officer - Part Time

Lincoln County Missouri

Troy, MO โ€ข On-site

$21.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
The Corrections Officer will be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations in prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in their care, custody and control during detention by performing the following duties.
Principal Accountabilities
  • Coordinate and direct work assignments of Correctional Officers during assigned shifts, (e.g., vendors, contract personnel, maintenance, cooks, support services, and programs and health professionals.)
  • Monitors all jail activities to ensure that they are following approved jail policies and procedures; makes recommendations regarding changes or updates to policy, procedure, and training.
  • Reviewing of inmate incidents and rules violations determines appropriate disciplinary action; participates in disciplinary hearings to resolve problems and inmate grievances.
  • Motivates, directs, and holds line officers accountable for the daily operations of the
  • Monitors jail equipment, security, and computer systems to ensure they remain functional; orders and oversees repairs when necessary.
  • Ensure the food is properly prepared and meals served on
  • Oversees classification of inmates and ensures compliance with approved policies and procedures regarding inmate housing, inmate visiting.
  • Assist with the training of personnel and participate in the process improvement of Jail
  • Directs and evaluates special assignments within the facility, including randomly conducted cell inspections and emergency drills.
  • Oversee the classification of inmates lodged in the Review all booking and release documents.
  • Participate in the coordination of prisoner transport and assist with staff scheduling and shift
  • Review inmate misconduct reports, refer appropriate cases to disciplinary hearings, schedule and conduct disciplinary hearings.
  • Ensure on - duty medical unit staff are in the facility and providing services as Distribute medication to inmates in the absence of nursing staff.
  • Performs work per established rules and post orders and can receive specific instructions and general administrative directions.

Knowledge & Skills
  • General or technical high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must successfully complete all components of the Correctional Officer Testing Process
  • Prefer experience and/or training related to corrections, criminal justice, or leadership
  • Mental and emotional balance to competently handle a position with inherent authority over others in a responsible, mature, and professional manner
  • Ability to display self-control and react appropriately in stressful or chaotic situations
  • Ability to comply with and enforce rules and regulations
  • Ability to complete tasks requiring physical activity exerting moderate, but not constant, physical effort - typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
  • Ability to participate in ongoing training, some of which may involve physical activity
  • Must have a stable educational and work history and a police record free of pending charges and felony convictions
  • Must have and maintain a valid Driver's license and satisfactory driving record
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to prisoners and other employees of the organization.
  • Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
  • Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Experience & Education
  • General or technical high school diploma or equivalent
  • Prefer minimum one (1) year experience in Corrections, Law Enforcement, or other related experience.
  • Possess a valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • Must successfully complete all components of the Correctional Officer Testing Process

Physical Requirements/Working Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively through talking and hearing. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or run, and may be involved in physical confrontations requiring physical strength and agility. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects and detainees weighing up to 100 pounds or more, and drag a minimum of 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to perform the physical demands of searching detainees and their living spaces, restraining individuals, and responding to emergencies promptly and efficiently. The work involves exposure to potentially dangerous situations and requires the ability to react quickly and calmly in high-pressure circumstances. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT - The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud. The employee will work in various environments within the correctional facility, including but not limited to cell blocks, common areas, administrative offices, and outdoor areas. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and other health risks associated with detainees. The employee must be able to work in a potentially hostile environment and maintain professional composure and effectiveness during confrontational situations. The work involves exposure to stressful situations, such as emergency responses and inmate disturbances, requiring the ability to remain calm and make sound decisions. The employee may be required to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, to ensure 24/7 coverage of the facility. The employee must adhere to strict security protocols and maintain high standards of safety and security for both staff and detainees.
Travel
Travel requirements will vary with the assignment.
Shift/Work Schedule
  • 12-hour shifts (5am-5pm or 5pm-5am)
  • 2 week rotating schedule: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun, Wed, Thurs

Benefits
  • 14 paid holidays
  • Receive 8 hours vacation and 4 hours personal time per month
  • Potential for overtime or comp time
  • CERF Retirement
  • Paid health/dental/vision insurance for employees
    • Option health/dental/vision insurance available for family/dependents at employee's expense
  • Required uniforms and equipment provided.
  • Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • County provided Life and AD&D insurance
  • Optional additional voluntary life insurance

Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.