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GraduateSmart
Oversee individuals who have been arrested or sentenced to serve time in jail or prison.
$41,750
Lower reported wage
$57,970
Median
$93,000
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

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Create free account →Academy and eligibility rules vary by agency; the BLS profile also includes bailiffs, a different role. [1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
About license data coverageAsk whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary.
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U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
BLS 'Correctional Officers and Jailers' (33-3012). Median $57,970. -7.4% decline.
Illustration: AI-generated image · Illustrative scene
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
Related optional study; agency training and hiring requirements determine entry. [1]
Supervise people in custody, enforce facility rules, and respond to safety incidents. [1]
Officers work in jails, prisons, and detention facilities. [1]
Facilities operate around the clock, so shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. [1]
Potential conflict, prolonged standing, and emergencies require physical readiness and calm judgment. [1]
Experience and additional training may lead to supervisory roles. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
You can enter this career through a government civil service exam — often with no college degree required.
Civil service exams follow set filing windows — check the deadline and apply on time.