Correctional officers and jailers
SOC Code: 33-3012Also known as:
Booking Officer, Certified Detention Deputy, Civilian Jail Officer, Community Corrections Officer (CCO), Community Services Officer (CSO)
Median Annual Salary
$57,970
-7.8% growth (2024-2034)
30K
Openings/Year
388K
Current Jobs
What Correctional officers and 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.
💰 Salary
$57,970
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-7.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
30K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
387,500
Projected Employment (2034)
357,400
Related Careers
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
$64,520 •
+2.6% growth
First-line supervisors of correctional officers
$76,310 •
-2.8% growth
First-line supervisors of police and detectives
$105,980 •
+2.9% growth
Police and sheriff's patrol officers
$76,290 •
+3.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.
- Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Correctional officers and jailers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a correctional officers and jailers:
Corrections
4,967 degrees awarded •
144 colleges offer this program
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
4,327 degrees awarded •
98 colleges offer this program
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
2,175 degrees awarded •
64 colleges offer this program
Juvenile Corrections
68 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Correctional officers and jailers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become correctional officers and jailers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do correctional officers and jailers make?
The median annual salary for correctional officers and jailers is $57,970.
What education do correctional officers and jailers need?
Most correctional officers and jailers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Corrections, Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other, Criminal Justice and Corrections, General.
Is becoming correctional officers and jailers a good career choice?
Correctional officers and jailers is projected to see -7.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 30,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for correctional officers and jailers?
Top colleges for aspiring correctional officers and jailers include
Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, University of Arizona, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to correctional officers and jailers?
Correctional officers and jailers may also be known as: Booking Officer, Certified Detention Deputy, Civilian Jail Officer, Community Corrections Officer (CCO), Community Services Officer (CSO), Confinement Officer, Convict Guard, Correction Officer, Correctional Guard, Correctional Monitor, Correctional Officer, Correctional Officer Specialist, Correctional Security Officer, Corrections Corporal, Corrections Officer (CO), Corrections Specialist, Cottage Master, Cottage Parent, Cottage Supervisor, Custodial Officer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.