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Correctional Officers and Jailers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $58,940/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$42,760$93,220

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: -7.8% projected growth, 20242034 — declining.

About 30,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionCoordinationPersuasionActive LearningNegotiation
Top knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementComputers and ElectronicsPsychologyAdministrative
Core tasks

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.

Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.

Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.

Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.

Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

The median pay for Correctional Officers and Jailers is $58,940 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

Employment for Correctional Officers and Jailers is projected to change -7.8% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.

What education is typically required for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Correctional Officers and Jailers?

About 30,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.