Correctional Officers and Jailers
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Correctional Officers and Jailers to decrease by -7.4% between 2024 and 2034, from 397,800 to 368,200 jobs. Its estimate of 28,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($58,940), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
397,800
Projected employment (2034)
368,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
-7%
Annual openings (projected average)
28,400
Pay & Preparation
$58,940
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Monitoring (4/5) • Social Perceptiveness (4/5) • Active Listening (4/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Critical Thinking (3.75/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.62/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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