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A Correctional Officer oversees daily operations at a prison or correctional facility. You might supervise inmates during their daily activities or attend to security incidents or emergencies. Correctional Officers conduct security patrols and check for unauthorised items. You might also supervise inmates outside of your facility during work release or court appearances.
Correctional Officers should be fit and capable of meeting the physical demands of their job. You’ll need strong leadership skills and should be able to communicate well with people from a range of backgrounds. Correctional Officers must be able to follow correct procedures and work as part of a team. You’ll need to be willing to work irregular hours including weekend and public holiday shifts.
There are 8 courses available for people who want to become a Correctional Officer. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
If you want to work in law enforcement, correctional services, policing, or social welfare how about the Bachelor of Criminal Justice? This exciting degree program will help you understand complex issues in crime, public safety, and law enforcement. Depending on your chosen university, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about criminal law, psychology, mental health, gender and crime, drugs and society, plus emerging issues in crime and justice. You could specialise in child protection, policing, addiction crimes, ethics, investigations and interviews, intelligence, or emergency management. Enquire now for admissions criteria, the full list of study majors and specialisations, and universities in your area that offer the Bachelor of Criminal Justice..
Average duration: 36 months.
Get started in the Victorian justice system with the 22595VIC Advanced Diploma of Justice. This hands-on diploma introduces you to the operational functions of the justice department in Victoria and teaches you the essentials of criminal law, legal principles and ethical practice, case management, child protection, cultural diversity, legal research, sociology and criminology, human rights, and more. Enquire now for entry requirements, Victorian justice department career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment opportunities in your area..
Average duration: 12 months.
The nationally recognised 10972NAT Diploma of Justice Studies is the qualification to launch your career in the state and federal police, court services, border security, private investigations, youth justice and more. The course begins with an in-depth introduction to the Australian legal system and the prevailing issues in social justice, crime, and victimology. You’ll then begin learning the applications of criminal law alongside the principles of evidence law. The course also covers evidence gathering, interviewing and investigation techniques, court proceedings, and document preparation. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, justice career outcomes, and training providers near you that deliver this qualification..
Average duration: 18 months.
Get started in the Victorian justice system with the 22594VIC Diploma of Justice. This qualification focuses on criminal justice practices in the state of Victoria but is recognised by employers and higher education bodies Australia-wide. The course covers: foundational legal principles, writing skills for the justice environment, conflict resolution and mediation processes, working within family violence contexts, introduction to criminal law, cultural diversity, working with adult offenders, supporting children, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirements, Victorian justice career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Get a job in correctional services with the nationally recognised CSC40122 Certificate IV in Correctional Practice. This hands-on qualification teaches you how to work with offenders and detainees and allows you to specialise in case management, community services, emergency responses, supervision, or dog handling. The course covers: on-the-job safety, communication skills, managing security, communicating with influence, negotiating behaviour change, supporting offender rehabilitation, conducting interviews, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, correctional services career outcomes, and RTOs in your area that deliver this course..
Average duration: 24 months.
In Australia, a full time Correctional Officer generally earns $1,350 per week ($70,200 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.
Officer in Australia, compared to 17,600 five years ago. Correctional 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
If you’re interested in working as a Correctional Officer, consider enrolling in an Advanced Diploma of Justice. This course will give you an understanding of Australian criminal law and cover topics such as investigation techniques, child protection and youth justice. You could also consider a Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies, a Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies or a Diploma of Justice.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within correctional services. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Correctional Services
Community Corrections Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Correctional Emergency Response Officer
$1,350 weekly pay
Correctional Officer
Criminologist
Parole Officer
$1,250 weekly pay
Prison Officer
Correctional Case Manager
$1,400 weekly pay
Correctional Supervisor
Learn more about Correctional Officer courses in your area.