Correctional officers and jailers maintain order and security in prisons, jails, and detention facilities. The work is hands-on, structured, and in demand. You can start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Here is what the role involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Correctional officers supervise incarcerated individuals and maintain security within correctional facilities. You monitor behavior, resolve conflicts between inmates, and enforce rules and procedures. You communicate regularly with supervisors and colleagues to report incidents and coordinate operations. You document everything from inmate conduct to facility conditions. You also train and teach inmates about facility rules and programs. The work requires constant attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Correctional Officers and Jailers earn a median of $58,940 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 30,100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You will need to pass a background check and meet physical fitness standards. Many facilities provide on-the-job training after hire, where you learn security protocols, emergency procedures, and de-escalation techniques. Some jurisdictions offer pre-service training programs. The preparation level is moderate, meaning you will learn significant skills on the job. Consider speaking with your school counselor about entry pathways in your area.
Entry routes vary by jurisdiction and facility type. If you are exploring whether this career fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the correctional officer and jailer path that fits you to map out your next steps with your counselor.
Many correctional officer and jailers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to hands-on work that involves direct responsibility and clear procedures. You stay grounded in practical problem-solving and prefer structured environments where rules and safety matter.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).