Corrections Supervisor

    Criminal Justice & Protective Services

    CIP Name: Corrections Supervisor|CIP Code: 43.0113
    SOC Codes: 25-1111, 33-1011

    Plan and manage institutional facilities and programs for housing and rehabilitating prisoners in the public and/or private sectors.

    $74K
    Median Salary
    -0.4%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    2.8K
    Jobs/Year

    What Corrections Supervisors Do

    Plan and manage institutional facilities and programs for housing and rehabilitating prisoners in the public and/or private sectors.

    Common Tasks

    Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
    • 2Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
    • 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • 4Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
    • 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

    What You'll Learn

    the principles and practice of correctionfacilities planning and managementsafety and securitysocial and health servicesstaff and inmate managementbudgetingcommunication skillscorrectional psychologyapplications to specific types of correctional facilities approaches

    Types of Corrections Supervisors

    Adjunct InstructorAdjunct ProfessorAssistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorCriminal Justice InstructorCriminal Justice ProfessorDigital Forensics InstructorInstructorJustice ProfessorProfessorCorrectional Officer CaptainCorrectional Supervisor

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • State prisons
    • • County jails
    • • Federal correctional facilities
    • • Private correctional facilities
    • • Community corrections and reentry centers

    Schedule

    Most work full time on fixed shifts, and supervisors may rotate nights, weekends, and holidays with high time pressure during incidents or staffing shortages.

    Physical Demands

    The job mixes desk work with frequent walking and standing while monitoring housing units and responding to issues. You may need to move quickly during emergencies and tolerate long periods on your feet.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $73,890
    $47,988$134,152+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $47,988
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $56,494
    Median
    50th percentile
    $73,890
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $100,960
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $134,152+

    National Employment: 73,300 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Ongoing staffing needs in jails and prisons and a focus on safety, compliance, and rehabilitation programs can increase demand for experienced supervisors. Retirements and turnover in correctional roles can also create steady openings for leadership positions.

    Skills You'll Need

    Leadership and team supervisionConflict de-escalation and crisis responseKnowledge of correctional policies, safety, and security proceduresClear written documentation and report writingCommunication and interpersonal skillsDecision-making under pressureScheduling, staffing, and basic budgetingProfessional ethics and accountability

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Leadership role with clear responsibility and authority
    • Strong pay compared with many public-safety roles
    • Work that directly impacts safety and operations
    • Transferable management skills (staffing, budgeting, compliance)
    • Steady openings due to turnover and retirements

    Cons

    • High-stress environment with potential for violence or emergencies
    • Shift work, weekends, and holidays are common
    • Heavy paperwork, policy compliance, and accountability
    • Emotional strain from managing conflict and crises
    • Limited growth in some regions due to budgets or policy changes
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Corrections Supervisor Trade

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