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Public Safety

Correctional Officer/ Jailer

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.

Annual openings

761

Median wage

$62,140

Typical education

High school (GED). Some positions expect a Bachelor's degree or related experience.

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED). Some positions expect a Bachelor's degree or related experience.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

No credential is required, but for a Federal Corrections job, you need to complete a background investigation and pass a physical exam.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though most jobs expect you to be at least 20 or 21 years old.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Law Enforcement
  • Corrections

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
  2. Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
  3. Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
  4. Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
  5. Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
  6. Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.
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