How to become a Correctional Officer

Also called: Corrections Officer, Prison Officer

Supervises and controls the activities of inmates in a prison or other correctional institution.

Main tasks

• Maintains security and order within a prison or other correctional institution
• Inspects cells, common areas and facilities for weapons, drugs and other contraband items, and ensures compliance with institutional rules and regulations
• Monitors inmate activities and behaviour, intervenes in situations that may pose a risk to safety or security, and prevents disturbances and escapes
• Escorts inmates to and from various locations, such as medical facilities in the community, and the correctional institution
• Provides support and guidance to inmates, including conflict resolution

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Correctional Management (CSC60120); Certificate III in Immigration Detention Operations (CSC30222); Certificate IV in Youth Justice (CHC40521); Diploma of Correctional Administration (CSC50122); Certificate III in Correctional Practice (CSC30122); Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218); Certificate IV in Correctional Practice (CSC40122)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $108,160 a year
• About 18,600 people work in this job group now, and about 20,300 are projected by 2035. (+9.5%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
• Cash In Transit Officer
• Crowd Controller
• Private Investigator
• Protective Services Officer
• Retail Loss Prevention Officer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Correctional Officer?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Correctional Management; Certificate III in Immigration Detention Operations.

How much does a Correctional Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $108,160 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Correctional Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 18,600 to about 20,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Correctional Officer?

Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Correctional Management; Certificate III in Immigration Detention Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Correctional Officer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04