Is a correctional officer a good career?
Table of Contents
Is a correctional officer a good career?
A career as a corrections officer can be stable, well-paying and rewarding. In addition, California has the highest annual mean wage out of all the states at $71,630, according to BLS data from May 2017. California also has the 2nd highest employment level of correctional officers in the U.S. with 36,730 jobs.
Do correctional officers get paid more than police officers?
So let’s get right into it—the 2018 median annual salary for correctional officers was $44,330 according to the BLS. Generally speaking, police officers have higher earning potential. The 2018 median annual salary for police officers and detectives was $63,380, according to the BLS.
Can correctional officers pull you over?
Can correctional officers pull you over? Yes, they can pull you over. They have general police powers.
Who are the highest paid correctional officers?
Table 1. Highest-paying States for Correctional Officers and Jailers (2020 Survey)
| Rank | State | Average Salary i |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $83,030 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $74,550 |
| 3 | Rhode Island | $74,220 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $73,920 |
How dangerous is correctional officer job?
Furthermore, jail guards have a greater risk of chronic injury, high cholesterol, hypertension and heart disease compared to other law enforcement occupations. Work conflicts, fatigue, heavy workload and inadequate resources all contribute to stress among correctional officers.
How many hours a week do correctional officers work?
Correctional Officers usually work an eight-hour day, five days a week, on rotating shifts. Because prison and jail security must be provided around the clock, officers work all hours of the day and night, weekends, and holidays. In addition, officers may be required to work overtime.
What is the divorce rate for correctional officers?
46.9%
What age do correctional officers retire?
age 50
What is the average lifespan of a correctional officer?
59 years
How many correctional officers die a year?
There were 113 correctional officer fatalities reported — the fatality rate was 2.7 per 100,000. On average 11 work-related fatalities were reported per year.
What disqualifies you from being a correctional officer?
Having a felony in your background is a sure disqualification for a correctional officer job, according to CorrectionalOfficer.org. LegalMatch defines felonies as serious crimes that often involve an element of violence, like murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery and arson.
Do correctional officers get random drug tested?
As with other drug interdiction activities directed toward staff, random drug testing is common in both state and local correctional systems.
How much do correctional officers make hourly?
Average Correctional Service Officer’s Salary in Canada According to the latest figures, the highest hourly average (median) wages are earned in Alberta at $37.26 per hour and the lowest average (median) wages are earned in Prince Edward Island at $26.89 per hour.
What are the pros and cons of being a correctional officer?
The Pros & Cons of Being a Correctional Officer
- Pro: Pay and Benefits. The average annual salary of a state correctional officer is $38,380 and $53,459 for Federal positions.
- Pro: Job Security.
- Con: Long Training.
- Con: Danger.
- Con: Poor Working Conditons.
- Con: Working Holidays and Odd Shifts.
Is a correctional officer a stressful job?
Correctional officers are exposed to a high degree of stress every day. Working long shifts behind walls day in and day out can and does take a toll. Each aspect of the job, including inmate interactions, workplace environment and resulting home life, can contribute to the build-up of this stress.
Which is more dangerous police or corrections?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among occupational groups, only police experience more violent incidents at work than correction officers. For every 10,000 full-time COs, there were 254 workplace assaults and violent injuries reported in 2011 — 36 times the rate for all American workers.
What qualities make a good correctional officer?
Correctional officers should also possess the following specific qualities:
- Good judgment.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Negotiating skills.
- Physical strength.
- Resourcefulness.
- Self discipline.
What should I say in a correctional officer interview?
Possible interview questions you may face
- Can you tell me something about yourself?
- Why do you want to work as a correctional officers?
- What do you want to achieve on this position?
- Have you ever been to prison?
- Can you tell me something more about your working experience?
- Have you ever worked with inmates?
Is corrections officer a stressful job?
Correctional officers are exposed to a high degree of stress every day. Working long shifts behind walls day in and day out can and does take a toll. Statistics show that correctional officers have higher rates of divorce, PTSD, severe depression and suicide.
