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State Prison Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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State Prison information

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$11

$53

$90

How much do state prison jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for state prison in Virginia is $53.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.51 and $82.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state prison?

State prisons are correctional facilities operated by state governments to house individuals convicted of violating state laws. These facilities typically hold inmates serving sentences longer than one year, often for felonies. State prisons differ from federal prisons, which are run by the federal government for those convicted of federal crimes. Inmates in state prisons may participate in rehabilitation, education, and work programs during their incarceration.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work as a correctional officer in a state prison?

To thrive as a State Prison Correctional Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, knowledge of criminal justice procedures, and physical fitness to manage security and inmate interactions. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance technology, and incident reporting tools is typically required, and some states may require completion of a correctional officer training academy. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and stress management skills are essential for maintaining order and safety. These capabilities are crucial to ensure the secure, humane, and effective operation of correctional facilities.

What challenges do correctional officers face in a state prison, and how can they manage them?

Correctional officers in state prisons often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety in a high-stress environment, managing conflicts between inmates, and adapting to changing schedules or mandatory overtime. Building strong communication skills, practicing situational awareness, and participating in ongoing training can help officers manage these challenges effectively. Additionally, seeking support from colleagues and utilizing employee assistance programs can be valuable in coping with the demands of the role.

What is the difference between State Prison vs Correctional Officer?

AspectState PrisonCorrectional Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; background check; training programHigh school diploma or GED; training academy; background check
Work EnvironmentSecure prison facility, often large and complexInside prison facilities, supervising inmates
Employer & IndustryState government correctional departmentsState correctional facilities, federal or private prisons
Job RoleManage inmate behavior, enforce rules, maintain securitySupervise inmates, monitor activities, ensure safety

While a State Prison refers to the facility itself, a Correctional Officer is the professional responsible for maintaining security and order within that facility. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the correctional industry, but the prison is the environment, and the officer is the personnel ensuring safety and compliance.

What are popular job titles related to State Prison jobs in Virginia?

For State Prison jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching State Prison jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for State Prison jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for State Prison jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most State Prison job openings:

Infographic showing various State Prison job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,775 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Registered Nurse: Sussex State Prison

Sussex, VA • On-site

State of Virginia
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 10K+ employees

$83K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide nursing care within the adult institution by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient needs.

  • Document all relevant information into health records while maintaining confidentiality and coordinating with other departments as needed.

  • Administer medications, perform sick call screenings/triage, and deliver basic life support/emergency care.


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Registered Nurse: Sussex State Prison

Apply now Job no: 5109648
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Sussex, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services, Public Safety

Title: Registered Nurse: Sussex State Prison

State Role Title: Registered Nurse I

Hiring Range: $40.14-$51.45/hour

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Sussex I State Prison

Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

$7,500 Sign on Bonus or $10,000 Student Loan Repayment may be available for eligible new hires.
This is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $83,496-$107,023.
Provide nursing care within adult institutions by utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating institutional patients per the standards of practice. Standard of care is achieved through a multitude of services to include 24-hour nursing care, telemedicine, chronic care clinics, sick call screenings/triage, medication administration, patient education, and basic life supporting/emergency care. Document all pertinent information into the health record while practicing confidentiality and interfacing with other departments on an as-needed basis. Registered Nurses possess the ability to delegate tasks/workload and work hours, days, and locations as assigned. Registered Nurses are capable and available to provide coverage as needed to meet institutional needs. To provide evidence-based nursing care and promote continued competence through education/certification with a focus on correctional nursing. Assignments to other duties or locations may be necessary to meet the clinical and administrative needs of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications

Possess and maintain valid unrestricted Virginia RN license (if you are a recent graduate of a nursing program in VA and not yet licensed, NCLEX-RN Exam must be scheduled at time of application).
Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers with current certification through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) is required upon hire

Additional Considerations

Experience in a correctional setting.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or resume for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or resume.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or resume.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Christina Payne

Phone: (804) 971-6084

Email: Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 17 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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