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State Prison Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Brickyard Healthcare

Dietary Manager

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

State approved dietary manager certificate or become certified within one year from hire date ... Minimum of 1 year in healthcare, hotel, restaurant, school, prison or armed services food service ...

Brickyard Healthcare

Dietary Manager

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

State approved dietary manager certificate or become certified within one year from hire date ... Minimum of 1 year in healthcare, hotel, restaurant, school, prison or armed services food service ...

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All JobsState Prison JobsState Prison Jobs in Chicago, IL

State Prison information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$56

$95

How much do state prison jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for state prison in Chicago, IL is $56.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.70 and $87.34 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching State Prison jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for State Prison jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for State Prison jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most State Prison job openings:

State Prison jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Prison job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,913 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Vocational Skills Lecturer - Prison Education Program

Harper College

Palatine, IL • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Schedule Information:
Part-time teaching positions are based on enrollment. Classes may be scheduled for daytimes, evenings, or weekends. Classes may be cancelled on short notice due to circumstances out of our control. Your application can remain "Under Review by Committee" for 18 months. You may check your status at any time by logging into jobs.harpercollege.edu with your username and password.
Benefits: N/A This position is not SURS eligible.
Responsibilities
Duties of Position:
The qualified candidate must possess subject matter expertise in professional skills, business, emerging technologies, and/or project management.
Courses will be offered at the Cook Country Department of Corrections (CCDOC) at 2700 S. California Ave. in Chicago teaching currently incarcerated students.
Instruction includes following a course syllabus, meeting course objectives, delivering lecture and lab instruction, giving presentations, utilizing corresponding textbooks, and adapting all materials to the correctional environment.
Must record student attendance, submit pass/fail midterm and final grades.
Instructional training includes completing state-mandated training, designated prison education training, and participating in a facility tour at CCDOC prior to teaching.
Qualifications
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is required. Priority will be given to those with current degrees or certifications in a related field. A master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
Experience Requirements:
Experience teaching adults and 2+ years of experience in the field is required. Experience teaching in incarcerated settings preferred.
About Us
We are Harper College...the college in your community.
The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.
Harper College is now one of the nation's premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago's northwest suburbs. The College's academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.
At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring equitable pay practices.We encourage open discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience. To review all benefit information visit us at:
https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php

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