We surveyed 2,305 correctional officers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical correctional officer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a correctional officer?
Low
High
Working as a correctional officer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a correctional officer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a correctional officer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a correctional officer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as a correctional officer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for correctional officers.
Do correctional officers work full-time or part-time?
96% of correctional officers work in full-time roles while 4% work part-time.
Is being a correctional officer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for correctional officers, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a correctional officer?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a correctional officer.
How competitive is the workplace for correctional officers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for correctional officers.
Does being a correctional officer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for correctional officers.
Are correctional officers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Correctional officers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do correctional officers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Correctional officers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a correctional officer physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a correctional officer may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are correctional officers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, correctional officers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a correctional officer require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a correctional officer.
Does being a good correctional officer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a correctional officer.