What Do Correctional Officer or Jailer Do?
Career 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.
A Day in the Life of a Correctional Officer or Jailer
- Search for and recapture escapees.
- Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
- 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.
- Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
- Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.
- Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Correctional Officer or Jailer Should Know
These are the skills Correctional Officers and Jailers say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles
- Detention Deputy
- Gate Watch
- Police Matron
- Patrol Conductor
- Jail Officer
Correctional Officer or Jailer Job Outlook
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.
Salary for a Correctional Officer or Jailer
The salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers ranges between about $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?
| 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 & Technology do Correctional Officers and Jailers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Correctional Officers and Jailers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Guardian RFID
- Jail management software
How do I Become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
Individuals working as a Correctional Officer or Jailer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Correctional Officer or Jailer?
Where Correctional Officers and Jailers Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.