Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Average
$32,000
ANNUAL
Entry Level
$26,000
ANNUAL
Mid Level
$33,500
ANNUAL
Expert Level
$41,000
ANNUAL
Correctional Officers and Jailers
7,580
Projected job openings through 2028
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Job Titles
Entry Level
JOB TITLE
Trainee for a Federal Prison
Mid Level
JOB TITLE
Correctional Officer
Expert Level
JOB TITLE
Sergeant
Degree Recommendations
Correctional Officers and Jailers
01
Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
02
Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
03
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.
04
Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
05
Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.
06
Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidences of inmate disturbance, and keep daily logs of prisoner activities.
07
Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
08
Process or book convicted individuals into prison.
09
Search for and recapture escapees.
10
Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
Law and Government
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Clerical
KNOWLEDGE
Administration and Management
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Social Perceptiveness
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Critical Thinking
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Speech Clarity
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Speech Recognition
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
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