Life As a Correctional Officer or Jailer
Career Description Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Daily Life Of a Correctional Officer or Jailer
- Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.
- Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.
- Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.
- Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
- Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners.
- Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidences of inmate disturbance, and keep daily logs of prisoner activities.
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Skills Needed to be a Correctional Officer or Jailer
Below is a list of the skills most Correctional Officers and Jailers say are important on the job.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Correctional Officer or Jailer
- Detention Officer
- Cottage Parent
- Correctional Captain
- Penal Officer
- Turnkey
Job Demand for Correctional Officers and Jailers
In the United States, there were 450,000 jobs for Correctional Officer or Jailer in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Correctional Officer or Jailer. The BLS estimates 31,300 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Correctional Officer or Jailer are Washington, Illinois, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Correctional Officer or Jailer Make?
The average yearly salary of a Correctional Officer or Jailer ranges between $31,140 and $76,760.
Correctional Officers and Jailers who work in California, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do Correctional Officers and Jailers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $36,760 |
| Alaska | $64,670 |
| Arizona | $44,150 |
| Arkansas | $34,120 |
| California | $75,400 |
| Colorado | $50,620 |
| Connecticut | $54,420 |
| Florida | $43,410 |
| Georgia | $34,290 |
| Hawaii | $59,020 |
| Idaho | $39,710 |
| Illinois | $62,440 |
| Indiana | $36,960 |
| Iowa | $50,750 |
| Kansas | $36,550 |
| Kentucky | $35,940 |
| Louisiana | $34,370 |
| Maine | $40,440 |
| Maryland | $49,220 |
| Massachusetts | $67,920 |
| Michigan | $51,890 |
| Minnesota | $51,660 |
| Mississippi | $30,840 |
| Missouri | $31,650 |
| Montana | $40,570 |
| Nebraska | $40,310 |
| Nevada | $62,140 |
| New Hampshire | $47,860 |
| New Jersey | $70,280 |
| New Mexico | $36,250 |
| New York | $64,490 |
| North Carolina | $38,500 |
| North Dakota | $44,700 |
| Ohio | $45,190 |
| Oklahoma | $33,060 |
| Oregon | $58,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,140 |
| Rhode Island | $68,710 |
| South Carolina | $37,560 |
| South Dakota | $39,310 |
| Tennessee | $35,470 |
| Texas | $42,380 |
| Utah | $46,150 |
| Vermont | $45,810 |
| Virginia | $41,860 |
| Washington | $57,740 |
| West Virginia | $36,960 |
| Wisconsin | $44,230 |
| Wyoming | $42,290 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Correctional Officers and Jailers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Correctional Officers and Jailers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Guardian RFID
- Jail management software
How do I Become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
What education is needed to be a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
Where Correctional Officers and Jailers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Correctional Officers and Jailers employed by various industries.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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