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Prison Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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How much do prison officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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 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.

More about Prison Officer jobs
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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
Correctional Officer for Prison

Correctional Officer for Prison

Harris County

Hamilton, GA • On-site

$19.71/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Harris County rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 116 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 645 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

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 Columbus, is accepting applications for a full time Correctional 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 experience. The Correctional Officer assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. The work consists of related administrative, supervisory, and security duties.

The starting salary is $19.71 per hour, plus generous benefits including a five-year vesting schedule for retirement.

To apply and learn more about the county and its benefits, visit the Harris County website at https://harriscountyga.casellehire.com/jobs/ .

Position is opened until filled. Hiring is dependent upon successfully passing drug screening, background check, social media check, employment check, and driving history check. Harris County, Georgia is an EOE.

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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