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Salary and Benefits

Correctional Officer
$42K-$52K / yr. (est.)
$43K
$47,349 / year
$52K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Correctional Officer

What does a Correctional Officer do?

As Correctional Officers, we are responsible for continuously supervising inmates’ behavior and their activities within the detention facility and provide correction treatment for inmates that step out of the line according to pre-established policies and protocols. We also ensure that inmates remain in custody and restrained during their movement or transportation, and escort them through highly secured areas. We contribute to the maintenance of the institution’s security by regularly performing surprise cell searches on inmates’ cell and their visitors, as well as checking the mail that they receive for any contraband such as drugs, phones, weapons, or money.

Core tasks:

  • prepare incident reports and other relevant documentation
  • enforce every rule and regulation governing the facility’s security
  • break up any physical confrontation between inmates, and protect fellow officers from harm

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Correctional Officer?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Correctional Officer.
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Correctional OfficerNew York City, NY - A year ago
😠 What a joke! I thought becoming a Correctional Officer was a direct path! This is just a waste of time!
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Correctional OfficerMiami, FL - A year ago
🙄 I don't get it. Why would I need to work in other positions before becoming a Correctional Officer? Makes no sense to me!
How Long Do Correctional Officer Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Correctional Officers works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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WardenHouston, TX - A year ago
Correctional officers are the backbone of our facility, and their dedication and expertise contribute to the overall safety and management of the prison.
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Probation OfficerMiami, FL - A year ago
5+ years of experience in this role demonstrates a commitment to helping individuals reintegrate into society and reducing recidivism rates. Kudos to the dedicated officers!
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Correctional Officer Employees?
Moderate job changes in Correctional Officer, showing some career movement without excessive turnover.
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School PsychologistHouston, TX - A year ago
Transitioning from being a correctional officer to becoming a criminal psychologist is a fascinating progression. It provides insight into both the system and the individual. 🧠
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Court ReporterMiami, FL - A year ago
I admire correctional officers who embrace change, but transitioning to being a court reporter may require a completely different skill set. 🎤

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Correctional Officer's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Correctional Officer typically studied at.
Central Texas College
Community College of the Air Force

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Correctional Officer Employees?
Gender ratio in Correctional Officer position: 0.727798213347346 Male and 0.272201786652654 Female. Age ratio in Correctional Officer position: 16-20: 20%, 21-30: 65%, 31-40: 11%, 41-50: 3%, 51-60: 1%, 60+: 0%. Correctional Officer position is predominantly male (72.8%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 16-20 years old.
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Correctional OfficerPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
😡 Why is there such a small percentage of officers in the 51-60 age group? Is there a lack of job security for older individuals in this profession?
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Correctional OfficerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
🤬 The fact that there are barely any female Correctional Officers in the 31-40 age group is concerning. Are there any gender biases affecting job opportunities for women?

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Correctional Officer?
Top employers of Correctional Officer position: Federal Bureau of Prisons - Career Connections, Florida Department of Corrections, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. People who work in Correctional Officer position most typically go on to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons - Career Connections.
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Correctional OfficerHouston, TX - A year ago
Federal Bureau of Prisons may be popular, but what about state institutions? They should also be considered.
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Correctional OfficerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
I can't believe the top employer is a federal agency! How does their hiring process compare to the state facilities?
Federal Bureau of Prisons - Career Connections
Florida Department of Corrections
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
What Industries Does Correctional Officer Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Correctional Officer: Public Administration, Health Care, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Religious / Grantmaking / Civic, Education. Correctional Officer employees most likely come from a Public Administration industry background.
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Correctional OfficerHouston, TX - A year ago
Yeah, sure, there are a few bad apples in every profession, but let me tell you, being a Correctional Officer is one of the toughest jobs out there. We put our lives on the line every day to protect society. 💪
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Correctional OfficerPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
It's easy to sit behind a keyboard and judge, but being a Correctional Officer requires immense mental strength and resilience. It takes a special person to do this job and make a positive impact in inmates' lives. 👊

Find your job as Correctional Officer

Discussion about Correctional Officer

Want to know more about Correctional Officer position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Correctional Officer position with others in our community.
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Do a lot of women work as a Correctional Officer?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
More men than women work as a Correctional Officer.
What is the most common age of a Correctional Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
The typical age is 26.
Is a Correctional Officer considered to be a junior profession?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
You probably need around 4 years to work as a Correctional Officer
Which industries should a Correctional Officer consider working in?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Most typically work in the Public Administration industry.
Is a degree needed to work as a Correctional Officer?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
As a Correctional Officer you’ll probably need No higher education
Which company is likely to have openings for Correctional Officer positions?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
It’s common for a Correctional Officer to work for Federal Bureau of Prisons - Career Connections, Florida Department of Corrections, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, State of Michigan and Texas Department of Criminal Justice
How many years of experience as a Correctional Officer is needed in average to switch to another position?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
On average people change after more than 5 years.
Is it common for people to switch companies and still work as a Correctional Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
On average a Correctional Officer works for only a few companies.
What jobs do people work in before becoming a Correctional Officer?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Security Officer, Police Officer or Customer Service Representative are the typical prior positions for a Correctional Officer
What are the typical next steps for someone working as a Correctional Officer?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Changing from a Correctional Officer to Police Officer, Security Officer or Deputy Sheriff is a typical career path.
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