Correctional Officers and Jailers
Did You Know:*
- The work can be stressful and hazardous; correctional officers have one of the highest rates of nonfatal on-the-job injuries.
- Most jobs are in state and local government prisons and jails.
- Job opportunities are expected to be favorable.
Industry Areas
- State Government (excluding schools and hospitals)
- Local Government (excluding schools and hospitals)
- Facilities Support Services
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
- Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
- Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
Overall Kind of Work*
Correctional officers, also known as detention officers when they work in pretrial detention facilities, are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and hazardous. Every year, correctional officers are injured in confrontations with inmates. Correctional officers and jailers have one of th...
Military
Law enforcement and security specialists in the military work both indoors and outdoors depending on their assignment. They may work outdoors while conducting investigations or patrolling facilities.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 0.39% (0-20 Hours)
- 5.22% (35-39 Hours)
- 81.95% (40 Hours)
- 7.78% (41-49 Hours)
- 4.66% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Correctional Officers and Jailers(33-3010)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Exposure to Job Hazards:
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 91.27% (State and Local Govt)
- 8.73% (Federal Government)
This data also pertains to Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, And Jailers
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
2,003 Correctional Officers and Jailers in the military