Do you want to work in corrections? If so, Illinois is a great place to be. The state has a number of top-rated correctional officer jobs, facilities, and agencies.
In this article, we will take a look at the 7+ best correctional officer jobs in Illinois.
We will also discuss the benefits of working for these facilities or agencies. So if you are looking for a new career in corrections, Illinois should definitely be on your list!
About Correctional Jobs in Illinois
Before we take a look at the top correctional officer jobs in Illinois, let’s discuss some of the benefits of working in corrections.
First and foremost, corrections is a very challenging and rewarding field. It is also a growing industry, with job opportunities expected to increase by 13 percent between now and 2028.
Another benefit of working in corrections is that it offers a competitive salary. In fact, correctional officers in Illinois are some of the highest paid in the country!
The average annual base salary for a state corrections officer is around $49,000 and can be as high as $78,000+ per year depending on your rank, overtime, and many more factors!
When you work at one of these facilities or agencies listed below, you will enjoy other benefits as well, such as paid time off, medical insurance plans, retirement pensions (state employees only), and more!
Now let’s take a look at some of the top correctional officer jobs in Illinois.
The Top 7+ Correctional Officer Jobs in Illinois (County Jails, Prison Facilities, and Agencies)
Below, we have listed the top 7+ best correctional officer jobs in Illinois. These facilities or agencies offer a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and plenty to do in the community!
1. Illinois Department of Corrections
The Department of Corrections is the largest employer of correctional officers in Illinois. With over 12,000 employees, it is also one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the state.
The DOC operates 27 adult prisons and juvenile facilities across Illinois. It is also responsible for supervising more than 52,000 offenders on parole or probation.
Here are some notable state-operated facilities that you can work for, and make an excellent living:
- – Menard Correctional Center
- – Pontiac Correctional Center
- – Stateville Correctional Center
- – Western Illinois Penitentiary
- – Lawrence Correctional Center
- – Shawnee Correctional Center
- – Jacksonville Correctional Center
- – Vienna Correctional Center
- – Big Muddy River Correctional
- -Centralia Correction Center
- -Decatur Correctional Facility
The Illinois department of corrections offers a number of excellent benefits, including: paid holidays and vacation time, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, retirement pensions (state employees only), tuition reimbursement program, and more!
To learn more about this agency and the many career opportunities it has to offer, visit their website here.
2. Cook County Sheriff’s Office
Located in Chicago, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is the second largest sheriff’s office in the United States. It employs more than 4000 sworn officers and 1400 civilian staff members.
The agency operates two jails (Cook County Jail and George Motchan Detention Center), provides security for the county courthouse, and patrols nearly 2000 square miles of Cook County.
The sheriff’s office offers a variety of correctional officer jobs, from entry-level to management positions.
The sheriff’s office is also responsible for managing the county’s emergency response and 911 center.
Some of the units available include the SWAT team, Marine Unit, and Mounted Patrol.
With over 12 million residents in Cook County Illinois, there are plenty of career opportunities available to correctional officers who want to work for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.
3. DuPage County Sheriff’s Office
Serving a population of nearly one million people, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is the third largest sheriff’s office in Illinois.
The agency employs more than 650 sworn officers and 300 civilian staff members. It operates the DuPage County Jail, which has a capacity of more than 900 inmates.
The sheriff’s office also provides patrol and investigative services to the county’s unincorporated areas.
In addition to competitive wages and comprehensive benefits packages, the sheriff’s office offers excellent career advancement opportunities.
New correctional officers can expect to be promoted if they demonstrate dedication to their job and a commitment to the safety and security of the community.
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for correctional officers who want to serve their community and have the opportunity to advance their careers.
For more information on the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, visit their official website here.
4. Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Serving a population of almost 700,000 people in an area of over 500 square miles, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Illinois.
The sheriff’s office employs more than 400 sworn corrections officers and civilian support staff who work at either the adult detention facility or juvenile justice center.
Benefits and Salary
Health Insurance: As an employee, you have a choice of health plans. You can choose a plan that covers medical, dental, and vision care.
Work-Life Balance: Lake County understands that it is important for employees to have a good work-life balance. That’s why they offer paid holidays, vacation time, sick and personal leave.
They also have an employee assistance program and an employee wellness program to help employees stay healthy and happy.
A Secure Future: Lake County offers different ways to save for your retirement and life insurance. You can also choose to enroll in a State of Illinois 529 college savings plan for your children.
Career Development: Lake County values your career development and skills. They offer employee training in many areas so you can improve your skills and advance in your career. They also have a tuition reimbursement program to help you further your education.
Competitive Wages: Lake County offers competitive salaries across all industry areas in which we recruit. To be honest, each job announcement includes our salary grades and a salary range.
If serving your community is something that you are passionate about, then the Lake County Sheriff’s Office might be a good fit for you.
5. Kane County Sheriff’s Office
Located on the Fox River, 40 miles west of Chicago, Kane County is a county with a rich history and vibrant present.
The mission of the sheriff’s office is to “make Kane County safer by preventing crime and disorder; protecting our community; providing law enforcement services when needed; building public trust through accountability.”
They are committed to providing professional law enforcement services to the community.
The sheriff’s office is a full-service agency, with a jail, civil process, court security, and detective bureau.
The sheriff’s office employs more than 300+ sworn corrections officers and civilian support staff who work at the jail or juvenile detention center.
Benefits and Salary
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (Medical and Dependent Care)
- 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching Contributions
- Paid Vacation Leave
- Sick Leave
- Military Leave
- Family and Medical Leave
If you’re looking for a career that offers great pay and benefits, consider the job of Corrections Officer with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
6. Will County Sheriff’s Office
Located in Joliet, Illinois, the Will County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency that serves approximately 250,000 residents.
The sheriff’s office is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of Will County, as well as contract services to fifteen municipalities.
The sheriff’s office also provides correctional services at the Will County Adult Detention Facility, which is a maximum security jail that houses approximately 650 inmates.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing its employees with a competitive wage and benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, paid sick leave time off (SLTO), vacation time off (VTO), holiday pay for eligible employees who work on holidays.
If you want to work for a professional, ethical, and progressive law enforcement agency that serves the community with integrity and respect, we encourage you to apply at the Will County Sheriff’s Office.
7. McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
Serving a population of approximately 300,000 residents in McHenry County, Illinois, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency that provides primary law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of McHenry County.
The sheriff’s office also provides contract services to nine municipalities and correctional services at the McHenry County Jail.
The McHenry County Jail is a medium-security facility that houses up to 416 inmates.
The sheriff’s office offers correctional officers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, paid vacation time, and sick leave. The sheriff’s office also offers career advancement opportunities.
Correctional officers at the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office are responsible for the safety and security of inmates, maintaining order in the jail, and providing a variety of services to inmates.
If you’re looking for a correctional officer job in Illinois, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work.
Other Notable Places To Work For as a Jailer/Prison Guard in IL:
- Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office
- Boone County Jail
- Logan Correctional Center
- Decatur Correctional Center
- Pontiac Correctional Center
- United States Penitentiary, Marion
- Federal Correctional Institution, Pekin
- Metropolitan Correctional Center, Chicago
- Federal Prison Camp, Montgomery
- Federal Correctional Institution, Greenville
- Centralia Correctional Center
Conclusion
Being a corrections officer in Illinois is a rewarding career that offers good pay, great benefits, and job security.
As you can see from the list above of the top correctional officer jobs in IL, there are many professional law enforcement agencies to choose from.
If you’re serious about becoming a CO in Illinois, start your search today!
FAQ About Correctional Officer Jobs in Illinois
Below are some common questions about correctional officer jobs in Illinois. If you have any additional questions, please contact the agency or facility that is hiring for corrections officers.
How much do correctional officers make in Illinois?
Correctional officers in Illinois earn a competitive wage and enjoy a great benefits package.
The salary for corrections officers in IL depends on the agency or facility you work for, but salary usually falls between $40k and $60k+ per year.
Where can I find current correctional officer jobs in Illinois?
To find an up-to-date list of open correctional officer jobs in Illinois, visit our job openings page.
What are the job requirements for becoming a correctional officer in Illinois?
The requirements for becoming a corrections officer in IL vary by agency, but typically include the following:
- At least 18 years of age
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien eligible to be employed under federal guidelines
- High school diploma or GED certificate from an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Valid driver’s license issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS)
- No felony or domestic violence convictions, including misdemeanors and/or adjudication withheld
- Ability to read and write English at a level that is sufficient for successful job performance as a correctional officer. This includes reading policies, procedures, reports, logs, and other written materials.
- Pass the CO entrance exam and physical abilities test (PAT)
- successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and reference check
- Meet agency or facility-specific requirements, such as training and experience in law enforcement or corrections.
How long is the correctional officer training program in Illinois?
The training program for corrections officers in Illinois varies by agency, but typically lasts around 8+ weeks.
During the training program, you will learn about jail security procedures, inmate rights and responsibilities, first aid and CPR, communication techniques, and how to handle difficult situations.
After completing the training program, you will be required to complete a probationary period.
Are there any special benefits for working as a correctional officer in Illinois?
Yes, many agencies and facilities that hire corrections officers offer great benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, sick leave, and 401k retirement savings plan.
Is it dangerous to work as a corrections officer in Illinois?
Working in corrections can be dangerous, but there are several safety procedures that correctional officers follow to minimize workplace violence and reduce their risk of injury.
If you’re considering becoming a CO in Illinois, it’s important to understand the risks involved with this career choice.
It is also essential to understand that correctional officers have a vital role in our society and play an important part in the criminal justice system.
Thank you for considering a career as a correctional officer in Illinois! If you have any additional questions, please contact the agency or facility that is hiring corrections officers.
