First-line supervisors of correctional officers

SOC Code: 33-1011
Also known as:
Correction Officer Supervisor, Correction Warden, Correctional Case Records Supervisor, Correctional Officer Captain, Correctional Supervisor
Median Annual Salary
$76,310
-2.8% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
57K
Current Jobs

What First-line supervisors of correctional officers Do

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

💰 Salary

$76,310
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-2.8%
Decline

🎓 Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

4K
Projected average per year

👔 Work Experience

Less than 5 years
Required before entry

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

57,100

Projected Employment (2034)

55,500

Top Skills Required

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
  • Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.
  • Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
  • Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.
  • Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.
  • Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public.
  • Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary.
  • Carry injured offenders or employees to safety and provide emergency first aid when necessary.
  • Complete administrative paperwork or supervise the preparation or maintenance of records, forms, or reports.

Technology & Tools

Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

📚 Entry-Level Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for First-line supervisors of correctional officers

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a first-line supervisors of correctional officers:

Criminal Justice/Safety Studies

41,895 degrees awarded • 821 colleges offer this program

Corrections

4,967 degrees awarded • 144 colleges offer this program

Criminal Justice and Corrections, General

2,175 degrees awarded • 64 colleges offer this program

Corrections Administration

97 degrees awarded • 9 colleges offer this program

Best Colleges for Becoming a First-line supervisors of correctional officers

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become first-line supervisors of correctional officers.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 594 A
2 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 614 B+
3 San Diego State University San Diego, CA 547 B+
4 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 531 B+
5 Florida International University Miami, FL 488 B+
6 California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA 354 B+
7 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ 172 B+
8 California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA 564 B
9 California State University-Northridge Northridge, CA 396 B
10 California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CA 392 B
11 California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 385 B
12 California State University-San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA 255 B
13 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 245 B
14 San Jose State University San Jose, CA 227 B
15 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC 219 B
16 University at Albany Albany, NY 203 B
17 California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CA 199 B
18 Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ 197 B
19 University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL 192 B
20 California State University-Stanislaus Turlock, CA 186 B

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do first-line supervisors of correctional officers make?
The median annual salary for first-line supervisors of correctional officers is $76,310.
What education do first-line supervisors of correctional officers need?
Most first-line supervisors of correctional officers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Common degree programs include Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Corrections, Criminal Justice and Corrections, General.
Is becoming first-line supervisors of correctional officers a good career choice?
First-line supervisors of correctional officers is projected to see -2.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 4,300 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for first-line supervisors of correctional officers?
Top colleges for aspiring first-line supervisors of correctional officers include University of Virginia-Main Campus, Florida State University, San Diego State University, University of Central Florida, Florida International University. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to first-line supervisors of correctional officers?
First-line supervisors of correctional officers may also be known as: Correction Officer Supervisor, Correction Warden, Correctional Case Records Supervisor, Correctional Officer Captain, Correctional Supervisor, Detention Director, Detention Supervisor, Guard Chief, Guard Supervisor, Juvenile Justice Supervisor, Prison Guard Supervisor, Shift Supervisor, Ward Supervisor. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.