For better or worse, the United States of America has the largest prison population in the world. Maintaining order and security in our jails and prisons is the job of the correctional officer. As you can probably imagine, being a correctional officer is a demanding and sometimes even dangerous job. Most jails and prisons tend to be overcrowded and, by their very nature, fairly uncomfortable. And the “guests” can be uncooperative, if not downright hostile.
So why is “correctional officer” an increasingly popular career option? Here are some key reasons people choose a correctional officer career:
• Security. No pun intended, but there are few jobs as “secure” as those in the correctional field. Not only do most communities have an ongoing need for trained individuals who are willing and able to take on this difficult work, but most officers at the state level are members of very powerful and influential unions that fight to protect their members’ positions and while delivering excellent benefits.
• Benefits. As noted above, most correctional officers belong to unions that are able to negotiate excellent benefits, including sick leave, paid vacations, health insurance and pensions. State and federal officers are also guaranteed numerous benefits through their civil service status.
• Qualifications. Virtually all correctional officers are employed by either local municipalities, states or the federal government. At the federal level, a bachelor’s degree is usually a job prerequisite. However, at the state level (where most officers are employed), a high school diploma with an AA in Criminal Justice is often sufficient. Most states then require candidates to take additional professional training at state-run academies. At the federal level, candidates usually require up to 200 hours of additional training.
• Income Potential. According to the BLS’ most recent data (May 2008), the median yearly income for correctional officers nationwide is approximately $35,800, with half making more than that and half making less. The middle 50 percent earn between $28,320 and $46,500 annually, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $23,600 per year and the highest 10% earning more than $58,500 per year. Median annual earnings are approximately $48,000 at the federal level, $36,000 at the state level and $35,000 at the local level.
Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and whether one is working for the federal, state or local government. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.
• Job Prospects. Again, according to the BLS, employment opportunities for correctional officers are expected to increase much faster than average over the next six years. On a national level, employment for correctional officers is expected to have increased 16 percent between 2006 and 2016. Statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the field currently ranges from a low of -2% in New York State to a high of 34% in Mississippi. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)
• Opportunities for Advancement. An efficient and ambitious corrections officer often has opportunities to rise to the rank of sergeant or go even higher to various managerial positions, including warden. You may also use your experience to move into a related field such as probation and parole.
Criminal Justice Training Offered at Everest College
The first step in pursuing a Correctional Officer career is to get an Associate degree in Criminal Justice. Everest College is one of America’s leading providers of criminal justice education. This education can qualify candidates for many correctional officer positions offered at the local and state levels.
Because Everest has dozens of urban campuses conveniently located throughout the United States, men and women interested in pursuing this exciting and rewarding career can likely find a campus conveniently close to their home or work. Everest’s Criminal Justice Associate degree courses are designed to be completed in just two years Everest’s Career Placement teams work to prepare each graduate for their job search and interface directly with local law enforcement agencies* to help fill new job openings. All Everest campuses also provide financial aid services for those who qualify.
People interested in criminal justice education should contact Everest today for information on class schedules. Program availability and schedules vary from campus to campus.
* Law enforcement may require additional training.
