What Correctional Officers and Jailers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Correctional Officers and Jailers this way: "Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Guard facility entrances to screen visitors"; "Inspect mail for the presence of contraband"; "Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport"; "Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners"; "Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Correctional Officers and Jailers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 397,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 368,200 in 2035, a decrease of 29,600 jobs (-7.4%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 28,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $58,940, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Correctional Officers and Jailers earn the most
Across the 4 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $52,887 in Texas to $86,067 in New Jersey, a gap of $33,180 (1.63 times). 2 of those 4 states average above the BLS national median of $58,940 and 2 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 44,200, which is 40.7% of the 108,630 counted across them. New York follows with 28,090.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($86,067), New York ($83,843) and Arizona ($55,851) lead the ranking, while Texas ($52,887) and Arizona ($55,851) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Correctional Officers and Jailers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 4 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $39,058. The smallest margin is $21,598 in Maricopa County, AZ.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 4 of the 4 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 33.4% and 47.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Correctional Officers and Jailers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-3000) include Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Frequently asked questions about Correctional Officers and Jailers
What is the national median wage for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $58,940. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $52,887 to $86,067.
Which state pays Correctional Officers and Jailers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $86,067. New York is next at $83,843.
What is the job outlook for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 7.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 28,400 openings a year.
What education do Correctional Officers and Jailers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Correctional Officers and Jailers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $39,058 on a median wage of $93,220.