Correctional Officer Foils Prisoner Escape

Correctional officers protect all of us by overseeing prisoners and keeping order in our jails and prisons. They watch over approximately 1.5 million prisoners in state and federal prisons at any given time.

Although work as a correction officer can be stressful and even hazardous, job prospects are excellent.

Fast Facts:

• Projected Job Growth: Faster than average--16% from 2006-2016
• Number of Positions: 500,000
• Median Income: $41,340

Correctional officers receive career training at academies, colleges, vocational schools, online or on campus. They also receive on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced officers. In addition, their on-the-job training is continual.

Qualifications vary by agency, but all of them require a high school education and usually some additional career training. Military experience or full-time law enforcement experience may substitute for college credit; however, you can take online credits while you are working. You will need these credits and a college degree to advance in your field. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other agencies require college degrees.

A hard job, a public service, with annual career training and good job prospects--is being a correction officer the job for you?