First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

SOC code 33-1011 · O*NET-SOC 33-1011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Legal and protective services

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$77,970

a year

Hourly

$37.49

per hour

10th$52,330Median$77,97090th$127,780

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$84,380

$40.57 per hour

Middle 50%

$59,890 – $103,320

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$52,330 – $127,780

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

53,380

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $52,330; $25.16/hr
25th percentile: $59,890; $28.80/hr
Median percentile: $77,970; $37.49/hr
75th percentile: $103,320; $49.68/hr
90th percentile: $127,780; $61.43/hr

What does a first-line supervisors of correctional officer do?

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations, policies, and laws.
Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
Supervise and direct the work of correctional officers to ensure the safe custody, discipline, and welfare of inmates.
Supervise or perform searches of inmates or their quarters to locate contraband items.
Monitor behavior of subordinates to ensure alert, courteous, and professional behavior toward inmates, parolees, fellow employees, visitors, and the public.
Restrain, secure, or control offenders, using chemical agents, firearms, or other weapons of force as necessary.

How to become a first-line supervisors of correctional officer

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 59% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)59%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree23%
Bachelor's Degree11%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%

Common questions

How much does a first-line supervisors of correctional officer earn?

The national median is $77,970 a year. The full range runs from $52,330 at the 10th percentile to $127,780 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a first-line supervisors of correctional officer without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Writing3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security4.8/5
Law and Government4.4/5
Administration and Management4.2/5
Psychology4.1/5
English Language4.0/5
Administrative3.7/5
Computers and Electronics3.6/5
Education and Training3.6/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Management of Personnel Resources, Persuasion.