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Prison Guard Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Adult Correction

Charge Nurse - Nurse Preceptor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$62 - $102/hr

This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as ... Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state ...

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See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do prison guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.
More about Prison Guard jobs

What are popular job titles related to Prison Guard jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

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
Infographic showing various Prison Guard job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,483 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Charge Nurse - Nurse Preceptor

Adult Correction

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$62 - $102/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Provide clinical mentorship to new hires and health care students in programs such as phlebotomy, nursing assistant, LPN or RN programs.

  • Orient staff and students to prison facilities, explaining custody, security operations, and medical, mental health, and dental operations.

  • Plan, organize, and facilitate new hire, student, and clinical experiences within the organization.

Job description

Agency Adult Correction Division COO - Health Services Job Classification Title Charge Nurse (S) Position Number 60058754 Grade MH16

About Us

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Description of Work

The primary purpose of the Nurse Preceptor position will be to provide clinical mentorship to new hires and health care students in programs such as phlebotomy, nursing assistant, LPN or RN programs. This position will be located at Central Prison HealthCare Complex. The nurse preceptor will share the mission of Health Services within the Department of Adult Correction, orienting staff/students to specific prison facilities, explaining their custody and security operations as well as medical. mental health and dental operations while meeting their students' clinical skills goals and objectives. The nurse preceptor will be self-motivated work closely with the Internship Consultant, the Health Services Talent Acquisition Specialist, Nursing Education and community health care education programs to plan, organize and facilitate new hire and student and clinical experiences within the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $ 62,044 – $102,371

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

Job Schedule and Posting Time

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 PM The Night Before The End Date

Work Schedule: (enter here IF applicable)

State Benefits Information
  • Health Insurance options
  • Retirement Plans
  • NCFlex
  • Supplemental Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • Sick
  • Community Service Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave

Visit the State Benefits website for additional information.

About The Division of Comprehensive Health Services

Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) delivers health services to individuals incarcerated in North Carolina state prisons. Our mission is to provide constitutionally appropriate medical, mental health, dental, and pharmaceutical care that meets professional standards. CHS health professionals ensure access to timely, essential, and comprehensive services and programs that support the wellbeing of incarcerated individuals. This care is delivered by licensed staff and through partnerships with private providers and the University of North Carolina system.

Supplemental Application Information

Application Process NCDAC uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. For more information about the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NCDAC), please visit us at our website. Applicants must complete the application in full. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State application. Applications must include: Complete education history (including high school) Full work experience details Certificates and licenses, if applicable Education must be from appropriately accredited institutions. Information provided must support responses to supplemental questions. Incomplete applications may impact screening and salary determination. Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check and drug screen. 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.

Education Equivalency Verification

The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.

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.

PREA Requirement

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: PRE

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