A first-line supervisor of correctional officers oversees and manages officers who work in prisons, jails, and detention facilities. You lead teams, enforce security protocols, and handle conflict resolution. You can start with a high school diploma and work your way up.
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You manage correctional officers and ensure facility security and inmate safety. Your day involves documenting incidents, communicating with your team and supervisors, and resolving conflicts between staff and inmates. You evaluate whether operations meet security standards, make decisions about staffing and procedures, and get information from multiple sources to stay informed. You monitor performance, listen actively to your officers' concerns, and write reports that keep the chain of command updated. This role sits at the bridge between frontline officers and upper management.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers earn a median of $77,970 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 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 4,300 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Most people enter this field as correctional officers first, gaining hands-on experience in facility operations, security procedures, and inmate management. After building experience and demonstrating leadership ability, you can move into a supervisory role. Some facilities may require or prefer additional training in management or public safety. Talk with your counselor about entry-level correctional officer positions in your area and what advancement timelines look like.
Most people reach this role by starting as a correctional officer and moving up through experience and demonstrated leadership. If you're exploring whether to enter corrections now or pursue other public safety paths, Pathly can map the first-line supervisor of correctional officers path that fits you and work through your options with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a first-line supervisor of correctional officers, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to leadership and getting things done. You like taking charge, making decisions, and organizing people and processes to meet clear goals.
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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).