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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Median Salary
53,300
Job Outlook
-6%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.

What sectors do they work in?

State and local government

91%

Federal Government

8%

Private for profit

1%

Private not for profit

0%

Self-employed

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of correctional officers and bailiffs is projected to decline 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 31,000 openings for correctional officers and bailiffs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$35,040

10%

$53,300

Median

$93,160

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    92%

  • Associate's degree

    7%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
  • Corrections
  • Juvenile Corrections

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.