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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 can only accept ...

Harris County

Correctional Officer for Prison

Hamilton, GA · On-site

$19.71/hr

... Officer for the County Prison. This position is responsible for protecting the public as well as fulfilling the needs of the county entities or contracted details.HSD or GED plus two years of related ...

Harris County

Detail Officer for the Prison

Hamilton, GA · On-site

$21.21/hr

... Detail Officer for the County Prison. This position is responsible for ensuring public safety and safety of the inmates while on detail, supervising all activities of the inmates, and completing ...

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How much do prison officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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 is a prison officer?

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 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.

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.

How many years does it take to be a prison officer?

Becoming a prison officer typically requires completing a training program that lasts several weeks to a few months, followed by on-the-job training. Most positions do not require a specific number of years of experience, but candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass background checks and assessments.

Is it hard to be a prison officer?

Being a prison officer can be challenging due to the need to manage difficult and potentially dangerous situations, enforce rules, and ensure safety for staff and inmates. The job requires strong communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to handle stressful environments, often involving shift work and strict protocols.
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For Prison Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Prison Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Officer job openings in the United States as of August 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

Oxnard, CA • On-site

BioTalent
See more jobs at BioTalentexternal

$21.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 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 can only accept applications from mainland UK candidates.
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