Correctional Officer

Explore This Path

Ensure safety and order in correctional facilities, making a real difference daily.
Play a vital role in maintaining security and preventing escapes in institutions.
Unique opportunity to work closely with law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.

💰 Earn $75K-$103K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -6.7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
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.
Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Risky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

29,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$93,160 in California

$53,300 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Correctional Officer? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@angeleyes_312/Angel Johnson

@salarytransparentstreet

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Monitoring

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Correctional Officer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years