Summary
| Quick Facts: Correctional Officers and Bailiffs | |
|---|---|
| 2020 Median Pay | $47,440 per year $22.81 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2020 | 437,100 |
| Job Outlook, 2020-30 | -7% (Decline) |
| Employment Change, 2020-30 | -29,900 |
What Correctional Officers and Bailiffs Do
Correctional officers oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.
Work Environment
Working in a correctional institution can be stressful and dangerous. Correctional officers and jailers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations, often resulting from confrontations with inmates. Officers work in shifts that cover all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays. Bailiffs’ hours are determined by when court is in session.
How to Become a Correctional Officer or Bailiff
Correctional officers go through a training academy and then are assigned to a facility for on-the-job training. Although qualifications vary by state and agency, all agencies require a high school diploma and have an age requirement. Some federal agencies also require some college education or related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for bailiffs was $48,000 in May 2020.
The median annual wage for correctional officers and jailers was $47,410 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of correctional officers and bailiffs is projected to decline 7 percent from 2020 to 2030.
Despite declining employment, about 35,700 openings for correctional officers and bailiffs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for correctional officers and bailiffs.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of correctional officers and bailiffs with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about correctional officers and bailiffs by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
