How do I become a prison 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.
10972NAT
Diploma of Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $9,200
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
10971NAT
Certificate IV in Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus, Online
5 weeks
$0 - $4,090
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
Blended
3 years
$0 - $49,050
- 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.
Avg yearly income
$78,988
Skill level
Advanced
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers oversee prison operations, supervise inmates, and handle security, requiring fitness, leadership skills, and teamwork.
Avg yearly income
$78,000
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 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.
Courses.com.au Team
Industry expert
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
Courses.com.au Team
Industry expert
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.
Courses.com.au Team
Industry expert
Further reading
Most popular security courses
13th June 2022
