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Prison Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BioTalent

Prison Officer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$21.25/hr

Investigo Government Solutions are looking for experienced Prison Officers to work on the Island of Guernsey. This is a temporary role for 3 months with potential extension. We offer: * £21.25 p/hr ...

Harris County

Correctional Officer for Prison

Hamilton, GA · On-site

$19.71/hr

Correctional Officer for Prison Harris County, Georgia, with a population of 36,000 and located in west central Georgia along the Alabama border 60 miles southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of ...

Harris County

Detail Officer for the Prison

Hamilton, GA · On-site

$21.21/hr

Detail Officer for Prison Harris County, Georgia, with a population of 36,000 and located in west central Georgia along the Alabama border 60 miles southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of ...

State of Michigan

Prison Counselor

Adrian, MI · On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

... officers to manage a housing unit and its' operations. This position also evaluates prisoner ... Prison Counselor 10 One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services ...

New

State of Michigan

Prison Counselor

Adrian, MI

$26 - $35.85/hr

... officers to manage a housing unit and its' operations. This position also evaluates prisoner ... Prison Counselor Position Description Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a ...

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Prison Officer information

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$9

$43

$93

How much do prison officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison officer in the United States is $43.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $76.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Prison Officer, you need a solid understanding of security procedures, conflict management, and custodial regulations, usually supported by a high school diploma and completion of government-approved training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and radio communication tools is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and sound judgment help officers manage challenging situations and build rapport with inmates. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, order, and effective rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by prison officers in their day-to-day work?

Prison officers often encounter challenging situations such as managing prisoner behavior, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining safety within the facility. They must balance enforcing rules with building professional rapport to support rehabilitation efforts. Officers also need to adapt to shift work and handle stressful scenarios, all while working closely with colleagues and other professionals like healthcare staff and probation officers. Developing strong communication and resilience skills is essential to navigate these daily challenges effectively.

Is it hard to be a prison officer?

Being a prison officer can be challenging due to the need to manage potentially dangerous situations, enforce rules, and maintain security within a correctional facility. The job requires strong communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to handle stressful environments, often involving shift work and adherence to strict protocols.

Why do so many Correctional Officers quit?

Correctional Officers often leave the job due to high stress, safety concerns, and challenging work environments. The demanding nature of the role, including long shifts and exposure to violence, can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.

What are Prison Officers?

Prison Officers, also known as correctional officers, are professionals responsible for supervising inmates in prisons, jails, and detention centers. Their primary role is to maintain order, enforce rules, and ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Prison officers also monitor inmate behavior, conduct searches for contraband, and assist in rehabilitation efforts. They may be involved in transporting inmates, responding to emergencies, and supporting programs aimed at reducing recidivism. The job requires strong communication skills, resilience, and a commitment to upholding justice and human rights.

What does it take to be a jail officer?

A jail officer, also known as a correctional officer, typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, and must pass background checks and drug tests. Training programs are often provided, and physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations are essential for the role.

What is the difference between Prison Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectPrison OfficerCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by state
Work EnvironmentPrisons, detention centers, correctional facilitiesJails, detention centers, correctional institutions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, federal or state correctional departmentsLocal, state, or federal correctional agencies
Job RoleSupervise inmates, enforce rules, maintain securitySupervise inmates, enforce rules, maintain security

Prison Officers and Correctional Officers perform similar roles in supervising inmates and maintaining security within correctional facilities. The main differences often lie in terminology used by different regions or agencies, but their duties, work environments, and required credentials are largely comparable.

Is it hard to be a correctional officer?

Being a correctional officer can be challenging due to the need to handle potentially dangerous situations, enforce rules, and maintain security within correctional facilities. The job requires strong communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to manage stressful environments, often involving shift work and adherence to strict protocols.
More about Prison Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Officer jobs? Cities with the most Prison Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prison Officer jobs? The most popular types of Prison Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Prison Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Officer jobs include:
Prison Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,569 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Prison Officer

BioTalent

Oxnard, CA • On-site

$21.25/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Investigo Government Solutions are looking for experienced Prison Officers to work on the Island of Guernsey. This is a temporary role for 3 months with potential extension.
We offer:

  • £21.25 p/hr, 39 hours per week, weekly paid
  • A tax free allowance of £11.29, to help with daily essentials
  • Flights and accommodation sourced and paid for by us
  • Paid one weeks' on Island training
The Person:
  • Proven experience as a Prison Officer
  • Background within the UK Prison Service or equivalent
  • Experience working across complex custodial environments
  • Ability to safely manage a wide prisoner demographic (including young offenders)
  • Strong understanding of security, control, and safeguarding practices
  • Operational experience within the last two years preferred
  • Willingness to operate at Officer grade (including those previously at higher grades)
Role requirements:
  • Deliver frontline custodial duties within the prison environment
  • Supervise and manage a diverse prisoner population, from juveniles through to prisoners with life term tariffs. Up to CAT B, with potential short-term CAT A exposure
  • Maintain security, safety, and order within residential units and operational areas
  • Support regime delivery, movement, and prisoner engagement
  • Apply professional standards aligned with UK custodial practice
  • Manage challenging behaviours and complex prisoner dynamics
  • Integrate into local operational structures and supervision

All deployed staff will undergo a one-week local induction package, to ensure alignment with Guernsey legislation, prison-specific procedures, and population complexities.
You will be integrated with local Prison Officers and work the same shift patterns; days, lates and every second weekend.

Apply