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Prison Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Prison Counselor Position Description Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social ...

Prison Counselor

Adrian, MI · On-site

$26 - $35.85/hr

Prison Counselor 10 One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor 9. Prison Counselor P11 Two years of professional experience providing ...

CDL-B Driver

Detroit, MI · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

We are a food warehouse, delivering to prisons, jails, schools, commissaries and processing plants. - No weekends - Newer model trucks - Benefits package includes: medical, dental, optical, life ...

CDL-A Driver

Detroit, MI · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

We are a food warehouse, delivering to prisons, jails, schools, commissaries and processing plants. * Weekly Pay * up to $26.00 / hour * Generally no weekends * Newer model tractors/trailers * Some 1 ...

CDL-A Driver

Detroit, MI · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

We are a food warehouse, delivering to prisons, jails, schools, commissaries and processing plants. * Weekly Pay * up to $26.00 / hour * Generally no weekends * Newer model tractors/trailers * Some 1 ...

CDL-A Driver

Detroit, MI · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

We are a food warehouse, delivering to prisons, jails, schools, commissaries and processing plants. * Weekly Pay * up to $26.00 / hour * Generally no weekends * Newer model tractors/trailers * Some 1 ...

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Prison information

See Michigan salary details

$24.8K

$38.1K

$51.4K

How much do prison jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison in Michigan is $38,076.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,400.00 and $44,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectPrisonCorrectional Officer
DefinitionA facility where individuals are incarcerated for crimes.A professional responsible for supervising inmates within prisons or jails.
Required CredentialsVaries by facility; often includes security training and background checks.High school diploma or GED; security training; sometimes certifications.
Work EnvironmentSecure prison facilities, often indoors with security protocols.Prison or jail settings, patrolling, monitoring inmates, enforcing rules.
Industry UsagePrisons are the physical facilities; correctional officers are staff working inside them.

Prisons are the facilities where inmates are held, while correctional officers are the staff responsible for supervising and maintaining order within these facilities. Understanding this distinction helps clarify roles within the criminal justice system.

How hard is it to work in a prison?

Working in a prison as a correctional officer or staff member can be physically and emotionally demanding due to the need to maintain security, handle potentially dangerous situations, and manage inmate behavior. It requires strong communication skills, adherence to safety protocols, and often involves shift work, including nights and weekends.

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 comprehensive understanding of security protocols, conflict resolution, and basic law enforcement, usually supported by a high school diploma and specialized training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong communication, resilience under pressure, and sound judgment are essential soft skills for managing inmates and maintaining order. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, enforcing rules, and supporting rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by correctional officers working in a prison environment?

Correctional officers often face challenges such as managing high-stress situations, maintaining personal safety, and ensuring the safety of inmates and staff. The role requires effective communication and conflict resolution skills, as officers may need to de-escalate confrontations and enforce rules consistently. Additionally, balancing security protocols with humane treatment of inmates can be demanding, and officers must remain vigilant to prevent incidents while fostering a respectful environment.

What are different types of prison jobs?

Prison jobs refer to the various roles and responsibilities performed by incarcerated individuals within a correctional facility. These jobs can include tasks such as food service, laundry, janitorial work, maintenance, and manufacturing goods. Prison jobs help facilities run smoothly, provide inmates with work experience and skills, and may offer small wages. Participation in prison jobs can also contribute to rehabilitation and improve chances of successful reentry into society after release.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prison jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Prison jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Prison jobs in Michigan? For Prison jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Prison jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Prison job openings:
Infographic showing various Prison job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,076 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$26 - $35.85/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer. MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families.

Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employerhere. Position functions as a professional prison counselor in a prison housing area. This position requires completing a variety of functions related to case work and assisting prisoners with questions they may have and to act as a resource person for the prisoner population as well.

The person is a member of the Housing Unit Administrative Team and works also with the RUM, Sgt's, and Housing Unit Corrections officers to manage a housing unit and its' operations. This position also evaluates prisoner's behavior to determine progress made through treatment programs in accordance with policy and procedure. Prison Counselor Position Description Required Education and Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, family relations, human services, or theology.

Experience Prison Counselor 9 No specific type or amount is required. Prison Counselor 10 One year of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor 9. Prison Counselor P11 Two years of professional experience providing prison counseling services equivalent to a Prison Counselor, including one year equivalent to a Prison Counselor 10.

Alternate Education and Experience Prison Counselor 9 Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections' experience. OR Education level typically acquired through the completion of high school and one year as an Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor 11 or Corrections Shift Supervisor 11; or, two years as a Corrections Field Services Assistant E10, Corrections Medical Unit Officer E10, Corrections Resident Representative E10, Corrections Security Representative E10, Corrections Transportation Officer E10, Resident Unit Officer E10, or Special Alternative Incarceration Officer E10; or, three years as a Corrections Medical Officer E9 or Corrections Officer E9. Additional Requirements and Information The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017.

Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation. **** REQUIRED INFORMATION: Employment in the state classified service demands a high degree of loyalty and imposes high ethical standards on employees to ensure the integrity of state government and maintain effective services. All employees must meet these ethical standards and all appointing authorities are obligated to enforce these ethical standards.

As part of this effort all employees are required to report any possible conflict of interest, please review the information and be prepared to respond to questions related to the information in your application. Ethical Standards and Conduct (Note: you do not need to fill out the form) READ CAREFULLY -- TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO THE FOLLOWING: Apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted.

Attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment. Dates of employment should include month and year and hours per week. Attach a cover letter.

If applicable/You would like credit for your education, attach a copy of an official transcript(s). Your education listed cannot be used to credential review you for a position unless a copy of an OFFICIAL transcript confirming your education is attached to your electronic application. We accept scanned copies of official transcripts.

We do not accept web-based, internet, or copies of unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts provide the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and on what date, and the registrar's signature. You must provide at least three professional references and their contact information to include phone number, address, email address and fax number.

Current MDOC employees must include their current supervisor as one of three professional references. Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application not being considered. Your application for any position does not guarantee you will be contacted by the department/agency for further consideration.

Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results. New hires to the MDOC along with previous MDOC employees that are returning after being away from the department for more than two years will complete Non-Custody New Employee Training (NCNET) either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training based on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.

This is a drug and alcohol test designated position. If you have questions or need assistance uploading and/or attaching your documents, please call NEOGOV applicant support at: 855-524-5627 or email MCSC-NEOGOV@michigan.gov The Department of Corrections will not hire individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have felony charges pending, in accordance with Public Act 140 of the Public Acts of 1996. View the entire job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/P/PrisonCounselor.pdf Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.


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