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Detention Officer - Safety, Security & Service at CoreCivic

CoreCivic No longer available

Job Description

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to better the public good. We are currently seeking a Detention Officer who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional, secure setting. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact for the people and communities we serve. The Detention Officer performs routine duties in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures to maintain order and provide for the security, care and direct supervision of inmates/residents in housing units, at meals, during recreation, on work assignments and during all other phases of activity in a correctional facility. May employ weapons or force to maintain discipline and order. Must be able to work any post assignment on any shift. Responsible for maintaining order, safety, and security of residents in a correctional facility. Engage in a variety of interchangeable work areas that includes, but is not limited to, armory/key control, housing units, kitchen, medical, visitation, etc. Qualifications: Must complete pre-service correctional officer training and, where applicable, be a non-commissioned security officer licensed by the state of employment. A valid driver's license and clear driving record is required. Demonstrate ability to complete any required training, as established or necessary to meet contract requirements and/or standards. Minimum age requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age. CoreCivic is a Drug-Free Workplace & EOE including Disability/Veteran.

Typical mid-level pay: $38k for Security Guards nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$38k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$30k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $60k

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Constrained
Mobility
High mobility
Durability
High fragility

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers. Your leverage may be less durable than it appears—move decisively.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+0%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
161,000 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024