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Prison Guard Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Guard information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do prison guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison guard in Raleigh, NC is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 security guards get paid?

Prison security guards, also known as correctional officers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $48,000, with pay varying based on experience, location, and facility type. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced officers or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented by shift differentials and overtime. Certification and training are usually required for employment in this role.

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 prison guards?

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.

How to become a prison guard?

To become a prison guard, applicants must meet age and education requirements, typically be at least 18 or 21 years old, and pass background checks and physical fitness tests. In Pennsylvania, candidates must complete a training academy and obtain certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections before starting work.

How much does a prison guard get?

The average salary for a prison guard in the United States ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the facility. 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.

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.

How hard is it to become a prison guard?

Becoming a prison guard typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training at a correctional academy. The process can be competitive and may involve physical fitness tests and written exams, but it generally follows a standardized application and training procedure.
More about Prison Guard jobs
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What job categories do people searching Prison Guard jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Guard jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Prison Guard jobs near you

Charge Nurse - Urgent Care (Night) CPHC

North Carolina

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$62K - $102K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

COO - OPS - Institutions Operations

Charge Nurse (S)

This position is located at Central Prison, which is a close-custody prison housing male offenders. Central Prison Healthcare Complex serves as the hub for healthcare for the male inmate population. The facility is designed to house a maximum capacity of 1318 offenders. The Charge/Lead Nurse provides professional nursing care/treatment to patients in accordance with medical protocols in a supervisory capacity. Employees in this role are responsible for managing and supervising daily nursing care on an assigned shift or assigned area, or in a preceptor role, coordinating all licensed and non-licensed staff. Work includes conducting needs assessments, developing, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans, and providing patient care and education to offenders in a state correctional facility. Position requires sick call assessments. medication administration, phlebotomy sticks, transcribing MD/PA orders, patient education, thorough medical documentation, monitoring, and treatment of communicable diseases, and responding to emergencies.

Salary Range: $62,044.00 - $102,371.00

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of basic nursing principles and techniques, including physical assessments, clinical judgments, treatment planning, and evaluation.

The position will be the Charge/Lead RN and may be required to work any shift, based on the current needs of the institution. to include weekends and holidays, with limited clinical supervision.

Shift: 5:45p - 6:15a (12-hour shifts) Rotate 36/48

Compensation and Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

  • Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
  • Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
  • If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the night before closing date.
  • Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check.
  • The NC Dept. of Adult Correction must adhere to the US Dept. of Justice Final Rule on the "National Standards to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Prison Rape." Click this link for information on hiring and promotion prohibition requirements for all positions in the NC Dept. of Adult Correction: PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader).
  • Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. The hiring process may take several weeks.
  • Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans' and National Guard Preference

  • Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
  • Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
  • Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, NCDAC will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Minimum Education and Experience

Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of North Carolina, with one year of nursing experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

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