Education
High schoolAverage Salary
$44,788Avg. Experience
1-2 years
A career as a jailer, also known as a correctional officer, typically begins with obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completion of a formal training program often provided by the hiring correctional institution or an accredited training academy. This training covers essential skills such as security protocols, self-defense, inmate management, and legal guidelines. Entry-level positions can be found in local, state, or federal facilities, and candidates must often pass background checks and physical exams.
As jailers gain experience, they may advance to supervisory roles, such as sergeant or lieutenant, overseeing teams of officers and managing larger segments of the facility. Further career progression can include specialized positions like inmate programs coordinator, classification officer, or roles in training and development. Continuing education and certifications can enhance opportunities for advancement, and some jailers may transition into related fields like probation, parole, or other areas of law enforcement and corrections administration. Successful jailers possess strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and a commitment to maintaining safety and order within the correctional environment.
A Jailer makes $44,788 per year on average, or $21.53 per hour, in the United States. The bottom 10% make about $35,170 a year, while the top 10% make about $53,448.
California
$50,206 YearlyTexas
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