What You Need to Know About Correctional Officer or Jailer

Position 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

• Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
• Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.
• Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
• Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.
• Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
• Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.

Correctional Officer or Jailer Needed Skills

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.

Other Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Titles

• Community Services Officer
• Matron
• Immigration Guard
• Booking Officer
• Jailkeeper

What Kind of Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Opportunities Are There?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 450,000 jobs in the United States for Correctional Officer or Jailer. 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?

Correctional Officers and Jailers make between $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 different U.S. states?

What Tools do Correctional Officers and Jailers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Correctional Officers and Jailers may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Web browser software
• Microsoft Access
• Guardian RFID
• Jail management software

Becoming a Correctional Officer or Jailer

Education needed to be a Correctional Officer or Jailer:

What work experience do I need to become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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More about our data sources and methodologies.