Also called: Corrections Officer, Prison Guard
Supervises people in prison, keeping order and safety for inmates and staff.
Correctional officers do counts, search cells for contraband, escort inmates to meals and programs, and respond to fights or medical emergencies. Shifts are 8-12 hours and can be stressful. Good communication prevents most problems.
State prisons in CA and NJ pay much more than southern states.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma, age 18-21+, background check, and a corrections academy (several weeks).
Ways in: On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.
Shrinking (about -7% over 10 years). BLS correctional officers 2024-34 projects a 7% decline as incarceration falls.
Low risk for 10 years. Body scanners and AI cameras help find contraband; counts, searches and stopping fights stay human.
Classes: Psychology, PE / strength training, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3012.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.