Correctional Officers and Jailers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Correctional Officer
- Corrections Officer (CO)
- Detention Officer
- Jailer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetModel professional conduct and ethical behavior when establishing interpersonal relationships with inmates, colleagues, and external stakeholders.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate inmate behavior and compliance with institutional regulations through continuous monitoring of correctional facility environments to determine adherence to standards.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate conflict resolution techniques with security protocols when managing high-tension situations involving inmates and maintaining institutional safety.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess emergency situations and security threats independently in correctional facilities, making rapid decisions under pressure to protect staff and inmates.Proficient
- KnowledgePrepare detailed incident reports and documentation using jail management software and recording systems to maintain accurate records of inmate behavior and facility events.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for inmate safety and rehabilitation services while balancing security requirements with humane treatment principles in institutional settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret psychological and behavioral cues using social perceptiveness to identify potential security risks and mental health concerns among inmates.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate security operations and staff assignments when organizing daily work schedules and prioritizing institutional safety activities.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate surveillance equipment and security systems to monitor inmate activities and facility perimeters following institutional safety procedures.Developing
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of public safety regulations and legal procedures when transporting prisoners between facilities, courtrooms, and other secure locations.Developing
- Hands-onExecute restraint and control techniques using handcuffs, leg irons, and protective equipment according to established protocols during volatile situations.Developing
- MindsetEngage with inmates requiring guidance or behavioral correction using active listening and persuasion skills to de-escalate conflicts and promote positive conduct.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Correctional Officers and Jailers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
365,380
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $41,750. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,520. 50th percentile: U.S. $57,970. 75th percentile: U.S. $75,330. 90th percentile: U.S. $93,000. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $41,750 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $93,000 |
| Workers on average earn | $62,760 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security4.1/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Law and Government3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- 3M Electronic Monitoring
- Corrections housing software
- Guardian RFID
- Jail management software
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Air-supplying respirators
- Cut resistant gloves
- Data collectors
- Desktop computers
- Electroshock weapons
- Emergency fire extinguishers
- Emergency fire hoses
- Expandable batons