Yet, to find only the best Correctional Officer jobs in Georgia? Primarily, The best correctional officer jobs in Georgia, such as those at the Georgia Department of Corrections, Fulton County Jail, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Detention Center, and Cobb County Adult Detention Center, offer competitive salary ranges typically between $38,000 and $45,000 annually.
Finding the right correctional officer job can be a game-changer for anyone interested in a career in law enforcement or public safety.
Georgia offers a variety of opportunities across its numerous correctional facilities, each with its unique characteristics and benefits.
This comprehensive guide explores the 20 best correctional officer jobs in Georgia, detailing the advantages and challenges of each position.
From competitive salaries to job stability, this article will help you understand what to expect and guide you toward the best Correctional Officer job opportunities in Georgia.
20 Best Correctional Officer Jobs in Georgia
1. Georgia Department of Corrections – Correctional Officer
Description
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) is a leading employer for correctional officers in the state. Located in Atlanta, this facility offers proximity to major urban centers, which can be advantageous for those seeking a bustling work environment. The GDC provides competitive salaries compared to the national average, with correctional officers earning approximately $45,000 annually, slightly above the national average. The facility is known for its comprehensive training opportunities and strong leadership quality, ensuring a supportive work environment. The department emphasizes job stability and offers various career paths within its extensive network of correctional facilities.
In terms of work schedule, the GDC typically requires officers to work shifts that may include nights and weekends. The inmate population varies in security level, providing a diverse range of experiences. The GDC also offers substantial support services and employee benefits, contributing to high employee morale. The work environment is well-regarded for its safety protocols and community impact, reflecting the department’s commitment to effective correctional management.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Comprehensive Training
- Job Stability
- Good Benefits
- Strong Leadership
- Supportive Work Environment
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Shift Work
- High Stress
- Varied Inmate Populations
2. Fulton County Jail – Correctional Officer
Description
The Fulton County Jail, located in Atlanta, provides a significant opportunity for those interested in high-security environments. This facility offers competitive salaries, with correctional officers earning around $43,000 annually, close to the national average. The jail’s work environment is dynamic, given its proximity to a major metropolitan area, and includes training opportunities tailored to handling a diverse inmate population. The facility is known for its leadership quality and community impact, contributing to a positive work culture.
Officers at the Fulton County Jail experience a demanding workload with a variety of security levels among inmates. The facility provides robust support services and emphasizes employee morale through various benefits and union representation. The job stability is strong, with numerous career paths available within the county’s correctional system.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Dynamic Environment
- Training Opportunities
- Strong Community Impact
- Robust Support Services
- Good Benefits
- Job Stability
Cons:
- High Workload
- Stressful Environment
- Shift Variability
3. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Decatur, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office offers a stable career path with competitive pay for correctional officers, approximately $44,000 annually. This facility is known for its job stability and well-structured work environment, which includes training opportunities and a supportive atmosphere. The sheriff’s office emphasizes career growth and provides a comprehensive benefits package, making it an attractive option for many.
The work schedule at DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office may involve rotating shifts, which is common in correctional settings. The facility’s leadership quality and community impact are notable, contributing to a positive working experience. The inmate population here varies, providing diverse challenges and experiences for correctional officers.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Career
- Comprehensive Benefits
- Supportive Work Environment
- Strong Leadership
- Career Growth
- Good Training
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- Stressful Situations
- High Demands
4. Gwinnett County Detention Center – Correctional Officer
Description
The Gwinnett County Detention Center, located in Lawrenceville, is a prominent facility with a strong reputation in correctional services. Correctional officers here earn competitive salaries of around $42,000 annually. The center is recognized for its job stability and supportive work environment, including robust training programs. The facility’s work schedule typically includes rotating shifts, with a focus on maintaining high security levels and ensuring community safety.
Officers at Gwinnett County Detention Center benefit from good employee morale and support services, contributing to a positive workplace culture. The facility’s leadership quality and reputation enhance the overall work experience, making it a desirable place for correctional professionals.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Work Environment
- Strong Support Services
- Good Training
- Positive Workplace Culture
- Career Development
- High Security
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- Stressful Environment
- Varied Inmate Security
5. Cobb County Adult Detention Center – Correctional Officer
Description
The Cobb County Adult Detention Center, situated in Marietta, offers a solid opportunity for correctional officers with competitive salaries of about $44,000 annually. The facility is known for its job stability and supportive environment, providing extensive training and development opportunities. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule and robust employee benefits, including union representation and comprehensive support services.
The work environment at Cobb County is marked by strong leadership and a focus on community impact, contributing to high employee morale. The facility handles a diverse inmate population, which offers varied experiences and challenges for correctional officers.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Extensive Training
- Job Stability
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Supportive Work Environment
- Positive Morale
Cons:
- Varied Inmate Population
- Stressful Situations
- Rotating Shifts
6. Clayton County Correctional Institution – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Jonesboro, the Clayton County Correctional Institution provides a stable career with competitive pay, around $41,000 annually. The facility is recognized for its supportive work environment and comprehensive training programs. Correctional officers here benefit from job stability and a structured work schedule that includes shift work.
The Clayton County Correctional Institution is known for its community impact and strong leadership quality. The inmate population varies, providing a range of experiences and challenges. The facility also offers good employee benefits and support services, contributing to a positive work atmosphere.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Good Training
- Job Stability
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Supportive Environment
- Community Impact
Cons:
- Shift Work
- Stress Levels
- Inmate Variability
7. Chatham County Sheriff’s Office – Correctional Officer
Description
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Savannah is a notable employer for correctional officers, offering competitive salaries of approximately $43,000 annually. The facility is known for its stable work environment and strong community impact. Officers receive comprehensive training and benefit from good employee morale and support services.
The work schedule typically involves rotating shifts, with a focus on managing a diverse inmate population. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes career growth and provides robust benefits, including union representation. The facility’s leadership quality and reputation contribute to a positive working experience for correctional officers.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Work Environment
- Good Training
- Strong Community Impact
- Supportive Atmosphere
- Career Growth
- Comprehensive Benefits
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- Stressful Environment
- Varied Inmate Population
8. Muscogee County Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Columbus, Muscogee County Prison offers competitive salaries for correctional officers, around $42,000 annually. The facility provides a stable work environment and strong job stability. Officers benefit from comprehensive training programs and a supportive work atmosphere. The prison’s work schedule may include rotating shifts, typical in correctional settings.
Muscogee County Prison is known for its community impact and robust support services. The inmate population varies in security level, providing diverse challenges. The facility emphasizes employee morale and offers good benefits, including union representation and opportunities for career advancement.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Job Stability
- Comprehensive Training
- Supportive Environment
- Strong Community Impact
- Good Benefits
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Inmate Variability
9. Augusta State Medical Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
The Augusta State Medical Prison, located in Augusta, provides competitive salaries for correctional officers, approximately $44,000 annually. The facility specializes in managing medical and psychiatric inmates, offering a unique work environment. Officers benefit from job stability and comprehensive training programs.
The prison’s work schedule includes rotating shifts, and the facility is known for its strong leadership quality and community impact. Employee morale is high due to supportive work conditions and good benefits. The Augusta State Medical Prison provides substantial support services and emphasizes career growth opportunities.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Specialized Work Environment
- Job Stability
- Comprehensive Training
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- Stressful Environment
- Specialized Inmate Population
10. Lee State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Lee State Prison in Leesburg offers competitive salaries for correctional officers, around $41,000 annually. The facility is known for its stable work environment and comprehensive training opportunities. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule and robust support services.
The prison’s leadership quality and community impact contribute to a positive work environment. Lee State Prison handles a diverse inmate population, providing varied experiences and challenges. Employee morale is high due to good benefits and career advancement opportunities.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Work Environment
- Comprehensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Shift Work
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
11. Pulaski State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Pulaski State Prison, located in Hawkinsville, offers correctional officers a competitive salary of around $40,000 annually. The facility provides a supportive work environment and extensive training programs. Officers here benefit from job stability and structured work schedules that often involve rotating shifts.
The prison is known for its strong leadership and positive community impact. The diverse inmate population provides varied experiences, contributing to professional growth. Employee morale is boosted by good benefits and a focus on career advancement opportunities.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Supportive Environment
- Comprehensive Training
- Job Stability
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- Stressful Situations
- Varied Inmate Population
12. Ware State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Waycross, Ware State Prison offers a competitive salary of about $41,000 annually for correctional officers. The facility is recognized for its stable job environment and robust training opportunities. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule, which includes rotating shifts, and strong support services.
Ware State Prison emphasizes community impact and leadership quality, contributing to a positive work atmosphere. The diverse inmate population provides unique challenges and learning experiences. The facility offers good employee benefits and a focus on career advancement, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Environment
- Robust Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
13. Valdosta State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Valdosta State Prison in Valdosta provides correctional officers with a competitive salary of approximately $42,000 annually. The facility is known for its job stability and comprehensive training programs. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule, often involving rotating shifts, and robust support services.
The prison’s leadership quality and community impact enhance the working environment. The inmate population varies in security level, offering diverse experiences. Employee morale is supported by good benefits and opportunities for career growth, making Valdosta State Prison an attractive place to work.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Job Stability
- Comprehensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Varied Inmate Population
14. Telfair State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Telfair State Prison, located in Helena, offers correctional officers a competitive salary of about $41,000 annually. The facility is known for its stable work environment and extensive training opportunities. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule, including rotating shifts, and strong support services.
The prison’s leadership quality and community impact contribute to a positive work atmosphere. The diverse inmate population provides varied challenges and professional growth opportunities. Employee morale is high due to good benefits and career advancement prospects.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Environment
- Extensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
15. Johnson State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Johnson State Prison in Wrightsville offers competitive salaries for correctional officers, around $40,000 annually. The facility is known for its stable work environment and comprehensive training programs. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule, often involving rotating shifts, and strong support services.
The prison emphasizes community impact and leadership quality, contributing to a positive work culture. The diverse inmate population provides unique experiences and challenges. Employee morale is supported by good benefits and opportunities for career growth.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Environment
- Comprehensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Varied Inmate Population
16. Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Jackson, the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison offers correctional officers a competitive salary of about $42,000 annually. The facility is recognized for its job stability and extensive training programs. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule, often involving rotating shifts, and strong support services.
The prison’s leadership quality and community impact enhance the working environment. The inmate population is diverse, providing varied experiences and challenges. Employee morale is high due to good benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Job Stability
- Extensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
17. Metro State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Metro State Prison, located in Atlanta, provides correctional officers with a competitive salary of around $43,000 annually. The facility offers job stability and a supportive work environment with comprehensive training programs. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule that includes rotating shifts.
The prison is known for its strong leadership quality and community impact. The diverse inmate population presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. Employee morale is boosted by good benefits and a focus on career growth, making Metro State Prison an attractive workplace.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Job Stability
- Supportive Environment
- Comprehensive Training
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
18. Baldwin State Prison – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Milledgeville, Baldwin State Prison offers correctional officers a competitive salary of approximately $41,000 annually. The facility is known for its stable work environment and extensive training opportunities. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule that includes rotating shifts and robust support services.
Baldwin State Prison emphasizes community impact and leadership quality, contributing to a positive work atmosphere. The inmate population is diverse, providing varied experiences and challenges. Employee morale is high due to good benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Environment
- Extensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Advancement
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
19. Augusta-Richmond County Detention Center – Correctional Officer
Description
The Augusta-Richmond County Detention Center, located in Augusta, provides correctional officers with a competitive salary of around $42,000 annually. The facility offers job stability and a supportive work environment with comprehensive training programs. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule that includes rotating shifts.
The detention center is known for its strong leadership quality and community impact. The diverse inmate population presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. Employee morale is boosted by good benefits and a focus on career growth, making Augusta-Richmond County Detention Center an attractive workplace.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Job Stability
- Supportive Environment
- Comprehensive Training
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
20. Bibb County Sheriff’s Office – Correctional Officer
Description
Located in Macon, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office offers correctional officers a competitive salary of about $43,000 annually. The facility is recognized for its stable work environment and comprehensive training programs. Officers benefit from a structured work schedule, often involving rotating shifts, and strong support services.
The sheriff’s office emphasizes community impact and leadership quality, contributing to a positive work culture. The inmate population is diverse, providing varied experiences and challenges. Employee morale is supported by good benefits and opportunities for career growth.
Pros:
- Competitive Salary
- Stable Environment
- Comprehensive Training
- Structured Schedule
- Strong Leadership
- Good Benefits
- Career Growth
Cons:
- Rotating Shifts
- High Stress
- Diverse Inmate Population
Correctional Officer Jobs in Georgia FAQs
1. What qualifications are required to become a correctional officer in Georgia?
To become a correctional officer in Georgia, candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, completion of a training program, and passing a background check. Additional qualifications may include physical fitness, psychological evaluations, and completion of a state certification exam.
2. What is the average salary for correctional officers in Georgia?
The average salary for correctional officers in Georgia is approximately $42,000 annually, slightly above the national average. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the specific facility.
3. What are the primary duties of a correctional officer in Georgia?
Primary duties include maintaining security within correctional facilities, supervising inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, conducting inspections, and ensuring the safety of staff and inmates. Correctional officers also handle inmate transfers, respond to emergencies, and provide support services as needed.
4. What kind of training do correctional officers receive in Georgia?
Correctional officers in Georgia receive comprehensive training that includes classroom instruction and practical exercises. Training covers topics such as self-defense, emergency response, communication skills, and legal procedures. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities are also provided.
5. What are the career advancement opportunities for correctional officers in Georgia?
Career advancement opportunities include promotions to higher ranks such as sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Correctional officers can also move into specialized roles, such as training officers, investigators, or administrative positions. Continued education and experience enhance advancement prospects.
6. What are the challenges faced by correctional officers in Georgia?
Challenges include dealing with high-stress situations, managing diverse inmate populations, maintaining personal safety, and handling shift work that can impact work-life balance. Correctional officers must also navigate complex legal and ethical issues.
7. How does the Georgia Department of Corrections support correctional officers?
The Georgia Department of Corrections supports correctional officers through comprehensive training programs, good benefits packages, strong leadership, and career advancement opportunities. The department emphasizes community impact and strives to maintain a positive work environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, correctional officer jobs in Georgia provide excellent opportunities for those seeking a stable and rewarding career in law enforcement.
With competitive salaries ranging from $38,000 to $45,000 annually, positions at facilities such as the Georgia Department of Corrections and Fulton County Jail offer attractive compensation packages.
Correctional Officer Jobs In Georgia come with comprehensive training, strong support services, and the potential for career advancement.
If you are committed to public safety and looking for a fulfilling career, consider applying for one of these top positions.
Take the next step towards a rewarding career by exploring opportunities in Georgia’s correctional facilities. Apply today and join a dedicated team making a difference in the community.