Protective Service
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Also called: Correctional Officer Captain, Correctional Supervisor
US median pay
$77,970
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-2.5%
declining
Openings a year (US)
3,700
56,300 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Carry injured offenders or employees to safety and provide emergency first aid when necessary.
- Complete administrative paperwork or supervise the preparation or maintenance of records, forms, or reports.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Coordination4.0/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.8/5
- Persuasion3.5/5
- Negotiation3.5/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.8/5
- Law and Government4.4/5
- Administration and Management4.2/5
- Psychology4.1/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Administrative3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma59%
- Associate's degree23%
- Bachelor's degree11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.