Correctional Officers Description OES Code: 630170 Correctional Officers and Jailers guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institution in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point, traveling by automobile or public transportation. Include Deputy Sheriffs who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in county correctional institutions. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: $9.81 $6.33 – $13.34 New, experienced: $11.50 $8.50 – $14.38 3 yrs+ experience: $12.94 $9.50 – $22.06 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $12.00 $10.00 – $16.00 New, experienced: $14.00 $11.00 – $18.00 3 yrs+ experience: $16.00 $12.00 – $22.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits The usual work week is forty hours, but officers may be assigned to any one of three eight-hour shifts. Overtime, which may be required during emergencies, is compensated at time and a half. Shift work and working on Sundays and holidays is common. Almost all positions are civil service and employers provide medical insurance, sick leave, retirement, vacation, and vision insurance, in addition to Employment Trends Employment 1996 27,750 Projected Employment 2006 41,800 Growth Rate 1996-2006 50.6% Openings due to Separations 5,260 Employment Trends by California County Employment of Correctional Officers is projected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2006. Several new State prisons are being planned over the next few years to accommodate an anticipated increase in the number of convicted felons. Legislation such as the "Three Strikes" law is thought to have increased the inmate population, necessitating an increase in the number of officers. With the population as a whole increasing, the steady demand for new officers is likely to continue well into the next century. In addition to these new jobs, hiring will also be needed to fill vacancies resulting from turnover and workers leaving the labor market. Since Correctional Officer is an entry-level position, turnover is often high, with promising job opportunities in facilities having frequent vacancies. Advancement Opportunities are sometimes available for promotion to correctional sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Two years of experience at the previous level is required to take the promotional examination for each of these positions. Getting the Job & Other Information Over 95 percent of Correctional Officers are employed by the State of California, while the balance work in federal correctional facilities. For employment with the State of California, applications for examinations are accepted continuously in person or by mail at the regional testing centers (see below). An applicant may take the written exam only once a year, but may take the physical abilities test more often. Persons who pass the complete examination will be placed on an eligible list according to rank. Appointments are made from this list, which remains in effect for two years. Northern Testing Center, (906) 227-2110 Southern Testing Center, (909) 944-6697 Central Testing Center, (209) 445-6141 For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent, or 12 units of college. Applications cannot be accepted from persons with felony convictions or certain drug usage. Correctional Officers must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment and have a valid California driver's license. New hires attend a Department of Corrections Training Academy in Galt, near Sacramento, for six weeks. During their first nine months of employment (probationary period), Correctional Officers rotate among various assignments and different shifts. Throughout their first year, officers receive on-the-job training in all the basic custodial skills including cell search, body search, transportation of prisoners, supervision of inmates and human relations. T o supplement on-the- job training, officers take formal courses in subjects where their skills need strengthening. Experienced employees receive additional training as part of an ongoing program to improve job performance. Skills & Other Requirements Correctional Officers must be physically fit and emotionally mature. They must be able to analyze situations accurately and to react quickly when necessary. Human relations skills are also important because officers are expected to supervise inmates with firmness, impartiality and tact. Eligibility for employment as a State Correctional Officer is determined by a three-phase examination which consists of a video and written test, a medical evaluation including a physical abilities test and a thorough background investigation. Working Conditions Correctional Officers work in various sized penal institutions, ranging from tightly controlled, maximum-security prisons to light-security complexes resembling college campuses. Some work in small, minimum-security conservation camps located in forest and brush lands throughout the State. A few are assigned to "halfway houses" or to community correctional centers, which are located in several major cities. There is some potential for personal harm, although the nature and extent of danger vary with each assignment. In general, the hazard is minimized by following recognized procedures for preventing and controlling violence. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Correctional Officers #220 Related Occupation: Security Guards #75, Probation Officers & Parole Agents #192 , Law Enforcement Occupations #457 Training: California State Training Inventory   © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.