Correctional Officer

A Correctional Officer oversees daily operations at a prison or correctional facility. You might supervise inmates during their daily activities or attend to security incidents or emergencies. Correctional Officers conduct security patrols and check for unauthorised items. You might also supervise inmates outside of your facility during work release or court appearances.

Correctional Officers should be fit and capable of meeting the physical demands of their job. You’ll need strong leadership skills and should be able to communicate well with people from a range of backgrounds. Correctional Officers must be able to follow correct procedures and work as part of a team. You’ll need to be willing to work irregular hours including weekend and public holiday shifts.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $78,000
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a correctional officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
22594VIC

Diploma of Justice
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 18 months
$0 - $8,371
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Prison Officer Correctional Officer
Youth Justice Officer Community Corrections Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Prison Officer Correctional Officer Youth Justice Officer Community Corrections Officer + 2 more

Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $48,960
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Analyst Intelligence Analyst Police Officer
Probation Officer Correctional Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Analyst Intelligence Analyst Police Officer Probation Officer Correctional Officer + 2 more

Bachelor of Criminology
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $91,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Intelligence Analyst Parole Officer Police Officer
Probation Officer Law Enforcement Officer Correctional Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Intelligence Analyst Parole Officer Police Officer Probation Officer Law Enforcement Officer Correctional Officer + 3 more
10972NAT

Diploma of Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$1,800 - $9,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator
Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant + 4 more
10971NAT

Certificate IV in Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus, Online
5 weeks
$0 - $4,090
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator
Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant + 4 more
CSC40122

Certificate IV in Correctional Practice
Blended
12 months
$2,100 - $2,295
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Community Corrections Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Community Corrections Officer

Bachelor of Arts (Socio-Legal Studies)
On Campus
3 years
$50,976
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Criminal Investigator Business Consultant Government Consultant
Correctional Officer Human Resources Officer Journalist Policy Analyst
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Criminal Investigator Business Consultant Government Consultant Correctional Officer Human Resources Officer Journalist Policy Analyst + 4 more

Bachelor of Criminology (Honours)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $60,224
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Counsellor Criminologist
Police Officer
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Counsellor Criminologist Police Officer + 1 more

Graduate Diploma in Criminology
On Campus
6 - 12 months
$15,500 - $25,080
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Criminologist Crime Analyst Police Officer
Probation Officer Correctional Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Criminologist Crime Analyst Police Officer Probation Officer Correctional Officer + 2 more

Graduate Certificate in Criminology
On Campus
4 - 6 months
$12,540 - $14,510
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Crime Analyst Law Enforcement Officer
Probation Officer Parole Officer Correctional Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Crime Analyst Law Enforcement Officer Probation Officer Parole Officer Correctional Officer + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Community Corrections Officer

Community Corrections Officers aid offenders in rehabilitation and resource education while reporting to authorities to assess parole eligibility.

Avg yearly income $78,988
Skill level Beginner

Prison Officer

A Prison Officer supervises inmates, monitors behaviour, conducts patrols, and ensures security while demonstrating leadership and teamwork skills.

Avg yearly income $79,040
Skill level Unknown

Correctional Supervisor

Correctional Supervisors lead officers, ensuring safety and security while managing training and incidents, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Unknown

Correctional Case Manager

Correctional Case Managers support inmates by arranging rehabilitation and addressing needs, requiring flexibility, strong leadership, and communication skills.

Avg yearly income $88,400
Skill level Unknown

Correctional Emergency Response Officer

A Correctional Emergency Response Officer handles emergencies in correctional facilities, manages unsafe behaviour, conducts risk assessments, and evaluates incidents.

Avg yearly income $90,480
Skill level Unknown

Criminologist

A Criminologist analyses criminal patterns to devise strategies for crime reduction, focusing on specific activities, groups, or areas.

Avg yearly income $94,900
Skill level Unknown

Parole Officer

A Parole Officer supervises offenders on parole, assessing compliance and progress while providing support for reintegration and liaising with authorities.

Avg yearly income $92,560
Skill level Unknown

Probation Officer

A Probation Officer supervises individuals on probation, ensuring compliance with court conditions and supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration.

Avg yearly income $73,424
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much does a Correctional Officer earn?

In Australia, a full time Correctional Officer generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for a Correctional Officer?

Officer in Australia, compared to 17,600 five years ago. Correctional Officers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities where correctional facilities are located.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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How do I become a Correctional Officer?

If you’re interested in working as a Correctional Officer, consider enrolling in an Advanced Diploma of Justice. This course will give you an understanding of Australian criminal law and cover topics such as investigation techniques, child protection and youth justice. You could also consider a Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies, a Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies or a Diploma of Justice.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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