Correctional Officers and Jailers
Correctional officers and jailers guard inmates in prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities. They monitor prisoner behavior, enforce institutional rules, and maintain security according to established procedures. Some officers also transport prisoners between facilities, courts, and other locations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against correctional officers and jailers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A correctional officer's week involves monitoring cell blocks or housing units, conducting count procedures to account for all inmates, and enforcing facility rules. Officers patrol assigned areas, observe inmates for safety concerns, and document incidents. They may conduct searches, perform administrative duties, and respond to disturbances or emergencies. Work hours often include nights, weekends, and holidays depending on facility staffing needs.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
People suited to this work tend to be practical and detail-oriented, preferring structured environments with clear procedures. You likely value order and follow regulations consistently. You're comfortable with routine work and straightforward problem-solving rather than ambiguous situations.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Los Angeles, California · $76415–$98606
- Supervisory Correctional Officer (Captain - Complex) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Tucson, Arizona · $111456–$144894
- Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Tarrant County, Texas · $83437–$108475
- Correctional Officer (Correctional Systems Officer) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Estill, South Carolina · $58771–$78483
- Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Bryan, Texas · $65545–$84579
- Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Aliceville, Alabama · $57765–$73057
- Supervisory Correctional Officer (Lieutenant) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Seagoville, Texas · $83437–$108475
- Supervisory Correctional Officer · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Hardin, Montana · $65545–$84579
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $76,370 | $96,370 | $109,580 | 37,860 |
| New Jersey | $72,420 | $94,770 | $106,570 | 7,570 |
| Massachusetts | $71,280 | $86,310 | $91,980 | 6,360 |
| Oregon | $72,230 | $83,690 | $87,660 | 3,650 |
| Washington | $70,600 | $79,460 | $81,550 | 6,800 |
| Illinois | $65,900 | $79,190 | $88,790 | 12,190 |
| New York | $68,450 | $76,820 | $91,250 | 27,770 |
| Nevada | $72,010 | $76,490 | $93,790 | 3,240 |
| Wisconsin | $62,550 | $73,470 | $84,990 | 7,360 |
| Alaska | $64,440 | $71,360 | $79,560 | 850 |
| Hawaii | $69,570 | $69,570 | $76,780 | 1,310 |
| Utah | $59,120 | $67,290 | $79,190 | 2,050 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Correctional Behavioral Health Certification - Correctional Officer (CBHC-CO) — American Correctional Association
- Certified Jail Officer — National Sheriffs' Association
- Certified Jail Officer (CJO) — American Jail Association
- Correctional Behavioral Health Certification - Community Corrections Officer (CBHC-CC) — American Correctional Association
- Certified Correctional Trainer (CCT) — American Jail Association
- Certified Jail Supervisor — National Sheriffs' Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against correctional officers and jailers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-3012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.