How do I become a prison officer?
Diploma of Justice
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Diploma of Justice Studies
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Justice Studies
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Community Corrections Officer
Community Corrections Officers aid offenders in rehabilitation and resource education while reporting to authorities to assess parole eligibility.
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers oversee prison operations, supervise inmates, and handle security, requiring fitness, leadership skills, and teamwork.
Correctional Supervisor
Correctional Supervisors lead officers, ensuring safety and security while managing training and incidents, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.
Correctional Case Manager
Correctional Case Managers support inmates by arranging rehabilitation and addressing needs, requiring flexibility, strong leadership, and communication skills.
Correctional Emergency Response Officer
A Correctional Emergency Response Officer handles emergencies in correctional facilities, manages unsafe behaviour, conducts risk assessments, and evaluates incidents.
Criminologist
A Criminologist analyses criminal patterns to devise strategies for crime reduction, focusing on specific activities, groups, or areas.
Parole Officer
A Parole Officer supervises offenders on parole, assessing compliance and progress while providing support for reintegration and liaising with authorities.
Probation Officer
A Probation Officer supervises individuals on probation, ensuring compliance with court conditions and supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Common questions
How much does a Prison Officer earn?
In Australia, a full time Prison Officer generally earns $1,520 per week ($79,040 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.
What are the job opportunities for a Prison Officer?
The number of people working as a Prison Officer has increased in recent years. There are currently 19,500 people employed in this job role in Australia, compared to 17,600 five years ago. Prison 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
How do I become a Prison Officer?
A Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies is a suitable qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Prison Officer. This course will develop your understanding of criminal law, social justice and regulatory powers. You could also consider a Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies, a Diploma of Justice or an Advanced Diploma of Justice.