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Correctional officers have duties that require them to have specialized expertise.
The knowledge and skills that they need to perform their duties mean that they must have the required education, training, and sometimes, previous experience.
The soft skills that people need to become corrections officers also help them in their daily job responsibilities.
Corrections officers enforce the rules, regulations, and policies that help maintain a secure, safe environment for employees and inmates inside prisons and other institutions.
They monitor the behavior of inmates and check for and confiscate items of contraband.
They also write reports or enter shift log information in the required space.
People who want to work in this career need to consider the pros and cons of being a correctional officer before they apply for a job.
The pros of working in corrections are often reasons that people choose this career.
The cons of working in this career may lead some people to decide on another job or career.
It is a personal decision that every corrections officer makes before starting their career.
Pros of Being a Correctional Officer
The benefits of working as a correctional officer may outweigh the things that some people think are drawbacks to choosing his career.
Many corrections officers are likely to believe that the pros of the job compensate for the cons or the risks associated with this career.
Here are the main pros of being a correctional officer.
1. Value of the Work
Correctional officers provide value to the field of corrections.
They help to maintain security, enforce rules, and work to de-escalate any issues between inmates or between inmates and other corrections officers.
The things that correctional officers do to keep the facility secure are not their only duties.
They also help inmates along their rehabilitation journey.
One way that they do this is by being a positive influence on the inmates within the institution or facility.
2. Challenging and Exciting Work
Ask correctional officers why they chose to work in this career, and many of them are likely to respond that they like the challenge and excitement.
People who work in some careers have duties that stay the same every day.
The work of corrections officers changes every day, even when they work in the same unit or area.
Some days may seem calm with little activity, other than making rounds, writing reports, and supervising inmates.
Other days may require correctional officers to use their problem-solving and judgment skills to resolve conflicts and de-escalate situations.
3. Job Stability
Correctional workers usually feel a sense of job security.
They know that there will likely always be a need for people in this field.
Job stability allows corrections officers to gain new knowledge and to further develop their skills.
The job stability that is associated with correctional officers gives them the chance to benefit from promotional opportunities and to further their education and training.
4. Opportunities for Advancement
Correctional officers usually work for federal, state, or local governments.
Gaining experience after getting hired as an entry-level employee gives them the chance to advance their career.
Getting a job that has greater responsibilities likely involves things like supervising other corrections officers, overseeing a certain department or area, or working in other management positions.
5. Specialization Opportunities
Employees who work in correctional settings often work as general corrections officers.
Some people who work in corrections decide to specialize in an area that they are interested in within the correctional system.
They have a pivotal role in maintaining security and safety, supervising correctional officers, or working in other leadership roles.
Some specializations give correctional officers the opportunity to perform investigations, to oversee the daily operations of facilities or units, or to develop or oversee inmates’ educational or training programs.
6. Salary
The starting salary that correctional officers receive is one reason why people may choose this career.
Those individuals who have more experience or education are likely to earn a higher salary.
Location is another thing that affects salary.
Sources vary when listing the average salary for correctional officers in 2025.
Salary.com indicates that the average salary for corrections officers is $48,883.
Glassdoor indicates that the average salary, before bonuses, profit sharing, or other things, is $56,195, with potential earnings of up to $80,000.
7. Job Benefits
People who work as correctional officers often receive great job benefits.
Corrections officers who work as government employees often receive benefits such as an excellent retirement plan, paid time off, health insurance, tuition assistance, and added job security.
Cons of Being a Correctional Officer
There are a few drawbacks to becoming a corrections officer.
Considering the cons can help people decide if this is the right career for them.
1. High-Stress Level
Working as a correctional officer can be stressful for many people.
The job requires officers to always be on high alert, even when things seem calm at any given time.
Some institutions are understaffed, which can contribute to high-stress levels among corrections officers.
Another thing that can contribute to stress is working around dangerous inmates.
2. Job Setting
Working in a prison or other correctional facility often requires that employees be confined to a small space during their shift.
Correctional officers may work in an area with minimal accommodations for staff.
Prisons, jails, and other facilities are usually old, with drab walls and cement floors.
Once corrections officers enter the prison or other institutions, they hear the heavy doors clanging shut, locking behind them as they go to their work area.
3. Mental Health Effects
The nature of working as a correctional officer can lead to stress and burnout.
A paper supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) describes the negative mental health risks that can affect some correctional officers.
The effects can lead to consequences on the entire facility or institution.
4. Danger
Inmates can pose a risk to corrections workers or other inmates at any time.
The risk of danger is one reason that prison workers, including corrections officers, complete extensive training in self-defense, mediation, conflict resolution, and other training that the administrative officials at the prison deem necessary.
5. Education Requirements
Some people may be able to start training as a correctional officer when they are 18 years of age and have a high school diploma.
Many state, federal, and local governments or private institutions require correctional officers to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in a related field.
Many corrections officers complete a bachelor’s degree in corrections, law enforcement, or a four-year program in another related area.
6. Physical Requirements
Correctional officers need to be in good physical condition to work in this career.
Many states or locales may impose minimum standards related to physical fitness for the job.
Candidates who apply for correctional officer jobs may have to undergo a physical strength test as part of qualifying for the qualification process.
They may also be periodically tested for physical fitness after starting the job, depending on the requirements of the different states.
7. Work Hours
The working hours of correctional officers are likely to change every week. Working in corrections is not a 9-to-5 job.
Prisons, jails, and other types of correctional institutions are often understaffed.
The reason may be either because of the institution having open positions that are not yet filled, or because of officers who call off work.
These situations are the types of things that can lead to corrections officers having to work overtime, or having to work nights or weekends.
Research shows that understaffing may lead to increased security risks in prisons.
It can also increase the risk of stress and other mental health issues among correctional officers.
Pros and Cons of Being a Correctional Officer – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Correctional Officer | Cons of Being a Correctional Officer |
|---|---|
| 1. Value of the Work | 1. High-Stress Level |
| 2. Challenging and Exciting Work | 2. Job Setting |
| 3. Job Stability | 3. Mental Health Effects |
| 4. Opportunities for Advancement | 4. Danger |
| 5. Specialization Opportunities | 5. Education Requirements |
| 6. Salary | 6. Physical Requirements |
| 7. Job Benefits | 7. Work Hours |
Should You Become a Correctional Officer?
Working as a correctional officer requires having specialized skills to perform the job duties.
It also requires various important interpersonal skills.
It is important to be detail-oriented and to have excellent communication skills, good listening skills, and good organizational skills.
Corrections officers need to have good decision-making skills, social awareness, and emotional control.
People who want to become corrections officers often have a desire to help people.
Choosing this career gives them the chance to have a positive influence on the lives of incarcerated inmates.
Considering the pros and cons of becoming a correctional officer is important for anyone who is considering this career.
The value of the work, the nature of the work, and the challenge of the work are some things to consider.
Job stability, job benefits, and advancement opportunities are some of the pros.
People who consider the cons of becoming correctional officers think about things like the risks, the dangers, and the changing work hours.
Becoming a correctional officer is a personal decision.
People who have the desire and the commitment are likely to make good corrections officers.
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