CFChooseField
Public Safety

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
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Median pay

$76,310
Median annual pay for First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

4,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

57,100
Estimated U.S. employment for First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Law and Government
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4Psychology
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Administrative

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Written Comprehension
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Enterprising
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Realistic
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Stress Tolerance
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Self-Control
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Leadership Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Documenting/Recording Information
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Health and Safety of Other Workers
  5. 5Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
  • Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.
  • Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
  • Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.
  • Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.
  • Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public.
  • Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology3M Electronic MonitoringEmail softwareGuardian RFIDJail management software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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