How to become correctional officers and jailerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$58,940

25th–75th pct. $48,640–$75,850

Top pay (est.)

$121,200

Top 10% $93,220

Pay in 5 years

$67,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$76,400est.

$65,700–$88,700

Outlook score

36/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

24%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

−7.4%

28K openings / yr

How to become correctional officers and jailers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Correctional Officers and Jailers

Key skills

Monitoring

3.8

Social Perceptiveness

3.8

Reading Comprehension

3.6

Critical Thinking

3.6

Speaking

3.5

Active Listening

3.5

Coordination

3.5

Active Learning

3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Psychology

4.5

Computers and Electronics

4.3

Customer and Personal Service

4.2

English Language

4.0

Administrative

3.9

Public Safety and Security

3.9

Administration and Management

3.9

Law and Government

3.8

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionStatic StrengthInductive ReasoningSelective Attention

Education of workers

High school diploma

92%

Associate's degree

Training before entry

1–3 months

44%

Up to 1 month

38%

6–12 months

11%

None / short demo

3–6 months

Related work experience

None

51%

1–2 years

18%

1–3 months

14%

Up to 1 month

11%

2–4 years

3–6 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as correctional officers and jailers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Security Guards Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.	$38,020	41/100	39%
2	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances.	$76,210	58/100	20%
3	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
4	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.	$33,580	64/100	8%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%
6	Detectives and Criminal Investigators Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.	$93,790	49/100	37%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.