Correctional Officers & Jailers

Also Called: Correctional Officer, Corrections Officer (CO), Detention Officer, Jailer

What Correctional Officers & Jailers 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.
Industry Areas:

Homeland Security

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Homeland Security • Security & Protective Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Contact With Others
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Telephone
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Tools

  • Handguns
  • Body armour
  • Two way radios
  • Flashlight
  • Security cameras

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
3M Electronic Monitoring
Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Safety and Government
public safety and security
law and government
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
administrative services
customer service
Math and Science
psychology

Education

  • 89% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 9% Post-secondary certificate
  • 2% Associate's degree

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Hearing and Speech
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Attention

This is what Correctional Officers & Jailers across the country typically make.

$18.44 / hour
$38,340 /year

Entry Level

$25.63 / hour
$53,300 /year

Median Level

$41.95 / hour
$87,250 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs