Correctional Officers and Jailers
Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms.
Is correctional officers and jailers a good career?
It scores 15/100 and ranks #493 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 30,100 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-7.8% through 2034)
What correctional officers and jailers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. correctional officers and jailers earn between $48,640 and $75,850 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live correctional officers and jailers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Correctional officers and bailiffs typically must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
For employment in federal prisons, the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires entry-level correctional officers to have a bachelor’s degree or several years of experience in a field providing counseling, assistance, or supervision. Bachelor's degree fields vary but commonly include security and protective service or a related field, such as social science.
Training
Correctional officers and bailiffs complete training at an academy. Training varies by state. Academy trainees receive instruction in a number of subjects, including self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations, and security procedures.
Correctional officers and bailiffs may shadow experienced officers after graduating from a training academy.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require correctional officers to complete state certification.
Advancement
Correctional officers may advance to supervisory positions such as sergeant, lieutenant, or captain. They also may move into specialized units, such as gang task force or hostage negotiation.
Bailiffs may advance to senior bailiff or other supervisory positions.
Important qualities
Decision-making skills. Correctional officers and bailiffs must determine the best course of action to maintain order and discipline, often in stressful situations.
Detail oriented. Correctional officers and bailiffs follow and enforce procedures in correctional facilities and courts to ensure safety.
Interpersonal skills. Correctional officers and bailiffs must be able to interact and communicate effectively with people in custody, visitors, and other officers of penal institutions and the court to maintain order.
Negotiating skills. Correctional officers must be able to assist in resolving conflict in order to ensure safety.
Physical strength. Correctional officers and bailiffs must be able to physically subdue people as necessary, including those in or visiting penal institutions and those attending court proceedings.
Self-discipline. Correctional officers must be able to control their emotions in hostile situations.
Related occupations
How much do correctional officers and jailers make?
The national median wage is $58,940 a year, with the middle half earning between $48,640 and $75,850 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is correctional officers and jailers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 15 of 100 and ranks #493 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -7.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a correctional officers and jailer?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do correctional officers and jailers earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($96,370). Local pay for every state and metro is below.