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Senior Correctional Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Olney Springs, CO

$43K - $56K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$41K - $53K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Lake City, FL · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

CoreCivic

Senior Correctional Officer

Olney Springs, CO · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an ...

Sheriff's Dept Essex

Correctional Officer II

Middleton, MA · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

Works under the direct supervision of senior correction officers or a correction employee of higher rank who provide instruction and guidance, assign work and review performance through oral and ...

Travis County, TX

Corrections Officer

Austin, TX · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

As a Senior Corrections Officer, you are eligible to apply to be part of one of our specialized units. If you are an experienced corrections officer, please review salary information below: 5+ years ...

Travis County

Corrections Officer

Austin, TX

$58K - $65K/yr

As a Senior Corrections Officer, you are eligible to apply to be part of one of our specialized units. If you are an experienced corrections officer, please review salary information below: 5+ years ...

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Senior Correctional Officer information

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$34.5K

$80.8K

$125.5K

How much do senior correctional officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior correctional officer in the United States is $80,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who are the highest paid correctional officers?

The highest paid correctional officers are typically those with extensive experience, specialized training, or supervisory roles such as correctional sergeants or captains. Salaries can also vary based on the facility's location, size, and budget, with officers in certain states or federal agencies earning higher wages. Advanced certifications and additional responsibilities often lead to increased compensation in this field.

What jobs can I do after being a correctional officer?

After working as a correctional officer, individuals can transition into roles such as law enforcement officer, probation officer, security manager, or criminal justice analyst. These positions often require similar skills in supervision, communication, and security, and may benefit from additional certifications or education in criminal justice or law enforcement. Career advancement can also include roles in training, administration, or investigations within the criminal justice system.

What are Senior Correctional Officers?

Senior Correctional Officers are experienced professionals who oversee the safety, security, and order within correctional facilities such as prisons or jails. They supervise both inmates and junior correctional staff, enforce facility rules, and respond to incidents or emergencies. Their responsibilities often include conducting inspections, managing inmate behavior, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. Senior Correctional Officers also play a key role in training new officers and may be involved in administrative tasks. Their work is critical to maintaining a secure and orderly environment within the correctional system.

What are good jobs for former correctional officers?

Former correctional officers often transition into security, law enforcement, or private investigation roles due to their experience with security protocols and inmate management. They can also pursue careers in training, compliance, or crisis management, leveraging their skills in supervision and conflict resolution. Certifications in security or law enforcement can enhance job prospects in these fields.

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

To thrive as a Senior Correctional Officer, you need thorough knowledge of correctional facility operations, security procedures, and relevant legal regulations, generally supported by several years of correctional experience and completion of specialized training programs. Familiarity with incident management systems, surveillance technologies, and report-writing software is typically required. Leadership, sound judgment, and strong interpersonal skills help you effectively supervise staff, manage conflicts, and maintain order. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and a secure environment within correctional institutions.

What is the highest paid correctional officer?

The highest paid correctional officers are typically those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost regions, earning salaries that can exceed $70,000 annually. Advancement to supervisory or administrative roles often results in higher compensation, especially for officers with additional certifications or training.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Correctional Officers in managing both inmates and junior staff?

Senior Correctional Officers often encounter the challenge of balancing security protocols with effective leadership. They are responsible for supervising junior officers, ensuring adherence to procedures, and maintaining order among inmates, which can be stressful and require strong decision-making skills. Additionally, they must address conflicts, provide mentorship, and foster teamwork while maintaining a safe environment. Effective communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution are essential to navigate these daily responsibilities successfully.

What is the oldest age to be a correctional officer?

There is no maximum age limit to become a correctional officer, as long as applicants meet the minimum age requirement, which is typically 18 or 21 depending on the jurisdiction. Many agencies value experience and physical fitness, and candidates often undergo background checks and physical assessments regardless of age.

What is a senior correctional officer?

A senior correctional officer is an experienced staff member responsible for supervising correctional officers and inmates within a detention facility. They often handle complex security tasks, enforce rules, and may assist in training or mentoring less experienced officers. This role typically requires knowledge of facility operations, good communication skills, and relevant certifications or training.

Why do so many people quit corrections?

Many correctional officers leave the profession due to high stress, safety concerns, and challenging work environments. The job often involves long shifts, exposure to violence, and emotional strain, which can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.

What is the difference between Senior Correctional Officer vs Correctional Officer?

AspectSenior Correctional OfficerCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, correctional training, experienceHigh school diploma, correctional training
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages inmate activitiesSupervises inmates, enforces rules
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, policy enforcement, staff oversightInmate supervision, security duties

The main difference is that a Senior Correctional Officer has additional responsibilities such as supervising staff and managing inmate programs, while a Correctional Officer primarily focuses on inmate supervision and security. The senior role requires more experience and often involves leadership duties within correctional facilities.

More about Senior Correctional Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Correctional Officer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Correctional Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Officer jobs? The most popular types of Correctional Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Correctional Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Correctional Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Correctional Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Correctional Officer jobs are:
Senior Correctional Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Correctional Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,781 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Senior Correctional Officer

CoreCivic

Olney Springs, CO

$43K - $56K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

CoreCivic rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 42 rated prisons

Job description

26.24 per hour 

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven bya deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibilityto better the public good. We are currently seeking a Senior Correctional Officer whohas a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional,secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact forthe people and communities we serve.

The Senior Correctional Officer assists in the supervision of the administrative and operational security activities in a correctional facility.  They directly supervises Correctional Officers assigned to the shift.  They also provide for the protection of each inmate/resident and the preservation of each inmate's/ resident's legal rights.

  • Provide general supervision of Correctional Officers and inmates/residents on the shift in the performance of their duties and evaluate as prescribed by the facility and corporate policy.
  • Conduct inspections of all housing and general use areas to ensure that proper standards, facility operating procedures and corporate guidelines of security, health, safety, sanitation and welfare are maintained; direct staff and inmate/resident resources to correct problems detected. 
  • Assist in supervising the internal and external security of the facility; routinely inspect posts to observe alertness of personnel and to confirm security is properly maintained at all times.
2025 CoreCivic Benefits Overview

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About CoreCivic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At CoreCivic , we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

Industry

Public safety administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

1983

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