Correctional Officers and Jailers
O*NET 33-3012.00 · SOC 33-3012
Correctional Officer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $59k a year with -7.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 28,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct headcounts to verify all inmates are accounted for.
- →Search cells and common areas for contraband or weapons.
- →Escort inmates between housing units, meals, and programs.
- →Respond to fights or disturbances within the facility.
- →Document inmate behavior and incidents in daily logs.
Education & How to Get In
Correctional Officer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Correctional Officer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Correctional Officer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Correctional Officer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Correctional Officers and Jailers is projected to decline 7.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·28% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Correctional Officer make?
The median Correctional Officer earns $59k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Correctional Officer jobs?
Our model puts Correctional Officer at 51 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Correctional Officer a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 7.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 28,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Correctional Officer?
Most Correctional Officer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Correctional Officer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Correctional Officer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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