What Do Correctional Officer or Jailer Do?
Correctional Officer or Jailer Example 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.
A Day in the Life of a Correctional Officer or Jailer
- Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners.
- 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.
- Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.
- Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
- Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests.
- Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed.
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Qualities of a Correctional Officer or Jailer
Correctional Officers and Jailers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Gate Watchman
- Corrections Corporal
- Certified Detention Deputy
- Correctional Monitor
- Security Officer
Correctional Officer or Jailer Employment Estimates
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. 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 typical yearly salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers is somewhere between $31,140 and $76,760.

Correctional Officers and Jailers who work in California, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Correctional Officers and Jailers in different U.S. states.
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 |
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
How to Become a Correctional Officer or Jailer
Learn what Correctional Officer or Jailer education requirements there are.

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

Who Employs Correctional Officers and Jailers?

Below are examples of industries where Correctional Officers and Jailers work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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