How to become first-line supervisors of correctional officerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$77,970

25th–75th pct. $59,890–$103,320

Top pay (est.)

$166,100

Top 10% $127,780

Pay in 5 years

$89,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$103,100est.

$88,700–$119,700

Outlook score

46/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

29%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

−2.5%

3,700 openings / yr

How to become first-line supervisors of correctional officers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

None

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 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Key skills

Monitoring

4.2

Social Perceptiveness

4.0

Coordination

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Speaking

4.0

Management of Personnel Resources

4.0

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security

5.4

Psychology

5.0

Education and Training

4.7

Law and Government

4.2

Computers and Electronics

4.2

Administrative

4.1

English Language

4.0

Personnel and Human Resources

4.0

What the work involves

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAssisting and Caring for Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityStatic Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma

59%

Associate's degree

23%

Bachelor's degree

11%

Post-secondary certificate

Some college

Training before entry

1–3 months

35%

3–6 months

19%

Up to 1 month

19%

2–4 years

12%

None / short demo

6–12 months

1–2 years

4–10 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

39%

None

30%

4–6 years

13%

Over 10 years

8–10 years

3–6 months

Up to 1 month

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as first-line supervisors of correctional officers

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	Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.	$58,940	36/100	24%
4	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
5	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%
6	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%

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.