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What Does it Take to Be a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
Occupation 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.
Correctional Officer or Jailer Responsibilities
- Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.
- Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.
- 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.
- Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.
- Settle disputes between inmates.
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What Every Correctional Officer or Jailer Should Know
Correctional Officers and Jailers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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
- Patrol Conductor
- Deputy
- Correctional Sergeant
- Gate Watch
- Prison Guard
Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Outlook
There were about 450,000 jobs for Correctional Officer or Jailer in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Correctional Officer or Jailer. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 31,300 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Do Correctional Officers and Jailers Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers ranges between about $31,140 and $76,760 a year.
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
Becoming a Correctional Officer or Jailer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Correctional Officers and Jailers Work
Below are examples of industries where Correctional Officers and Jailers work:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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