What Does a Correctional Officer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a correctional officer do?

Correctional officers and jailers supervise people who have been arrested or sentenced, enforce rules, prevent violence and escapes, and keep jails and prisons safe and secure. The median pay is $58,940 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–4 months (academy), and employment is projected to grow -7.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$58,940
$28.34/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-7.4%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
28,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
2–4 months (academy)
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
397,800
Employment, 2025

What correctional officers do

Correctional officers maintain safety and order in jails, prisons and detention centers. They supervise housing units, conduct counts and searches, escort people to court and appointments, respond to fights and medical emergencies, find contraband and write detailed reports. Good officers combine firm authority with clear communication and fairness.

Most officers need a high school diploma and complete an academy run by a state, county or federal agency. Pay and benefits are often strong for the education required, with pensions in many systems. The work is stressful and involves shift work, but agencies hire steadily.

Typical duties

Supervise people in housing units
Conduct counts and security checks
Search people, cells and areas for contraband
Escort people within and outside the facility
Respond to fights, disturbances and emergencies
Enforce rules and de-escalate conflicts
Write incident reports and logs

Work environment and schedule

Officers work inside secure facilities that can be noisy, crowded and tense, with the risk of assault. Some work in transport or perimeter posts.

Schedule: Facilities operate 24/7, so officers work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime.

A day in the life

5:45 AMAttend shift briefing on incidents and special watches.
6:00 AMConduct the morning count in the housing unit.
7:30 AMSupervise breakfast and medication lines.
9:00 AMSearch a cell and find contraband.

See a full day in the life of a correctional officer →

Correctional Officer salary

Half of correctional officers earned more than $58,940 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $42,760 for the lowest 10% to $93,220 for the top 10%.

$42,76010th$58,940Median$93,22090th

Full correctional officer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a correctional officer

Meet requirements
Pass tests
Complete the academy
Work the floor
Advance

A high school diploma is typical; federal prisons may require some college or experience. Officers complete an academy and on-the-job training.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a correctional officer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Facility security procedures
Search and contraband detection
Use-of-force policies
Report writing
Defensive tactics

People skills

Firm, fair communication
Situational awareness
Composure
Integrity

All correctional officer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Good benefits and pensions in many systems
Steady hiring
No degree required
Paths to promotion and other law enforcement roles

Cons

Stressful, sometimes dangerous work
Mandatory overtime and shift work
Emotional toll
Employment is declining in some areas

Certifications and licenses

State corrections officer certification: Required by many states after academy.
CPR and first aid: Emergency medical training.
Defensive tactics training: Self-defense and control techniques.
Crisis intervention training: Training for mental health crises.

Career path

Correctional Officer: Supervise housing units.
Corporal or Sergeant: Lead shifts and units.
Lieutenant or Captain: Manage operations.
Warden or Probation Officer: Lead facilities or move to community corrections.

Learn the job before day one

Our Correctional Officer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a formal count and search a cell for contraband, safety and how to land your first job.

View Correctional Officer training Is this career right for me?

Police Officer

Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.

$76,210
6–12 months (academy + field training)

Probation Officer

Supervise people on probation or parole and help them rebuild their lives.

$66,270
4 years plus agency training

Security Guard

Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.

$38,020
Days to 2 weeks

Bailiff

Keep courtrooms safe, orderly and running on schedule.

$56,600
1–6 months

Compare: Correctional Officer vs. Police Officer · Correctional Officer vs. Probation Officer · Correctional Officer vs. Security Guard · Correctional Officer vs. Bailiff

Correctional Officer FAQ

Do correctional officers need a degree?

Usually not, though federal jobs may require some college or experience.

Is the job dangerous?

It involves risk, managed with training and procedures.

Can it lead to other careers?

Yes, such as probation, policing and supervision.

How much does a correctional officer make?

The median annual wage for correctional officers was $58,940 ($28.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,760 and the highest 10% earned more than $93,220.

How long does it take to become a correctional officer?

Most people need about 2–4 months (academy) of training. A high school diploma is typical; federal prisons may require some college or experience. Officers complete an academy and on-the-job training.

Do you need a degree to be a correctional officer?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 33-3012 (Correctional officers and jailers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Correctional officers and jailers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Correctional Officer