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Career pathway

Prison Officers

ANZSCO 4421

Employed

19,800

Part-time share

1%

Female share

26%

Median weekly earnings

$2,080

Median age

40 yrs

Employment outlook

Declining

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Prison Officers is a job in Australia. The job figures on this page come from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS Census, where they are published. The courses listed here lead to this job. Compare the fee, study mode, length, place, and how to get in before you enquire.

Courses linked to this job include Certificate IV in Correctional Practice, Certificate III in Correctional Practice, and Certificate II in Justice Services.

Jobs and Skills Australia rates the job outlook as Declining.

Jobs, part-time share, age, and pay appear on this page only when Jobs and Skills Australia or the ABS has published them for Prison Officers. A blank is a missing figure, not a pay of zero. The courses below are linked to this job. Open one to compare the fee, study mode, length, campus, and how to get in.

There is no single national fee or length for training that leads to Prison Officers. Each provider sets its own price, study mode, and entry rules. Those rules can include past study, an English level, work experience, or an interview. Check the AQF level, and whether you study in Australia or online, before you enquire.

About this career

Prison Officers supervise and control the activities of inmates in prisons and other correctional institutions.

What they typically do

  • Observing the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes
  • Inspecting and maintaining the security of locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates
  • Supervising prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities and meals
  • Assisting with the implementation of education, rehabilitation and other programs organised for prisoners
  • Searching prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items
  • Patrolling assigned areas and reporting breaches of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes and prisoner adjustment problems
  • Requisitioning prisoners' clothing, toiletries, reading material and other allowable items
  • Supervising prisoners in transit between courts, prisons and other facilities

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
30.2%
QLD
20.6%
VIC
19.9%
WA
16.6%
SA
7.3%
NT
3.4%
TAS
1.3%
ACT
0.7%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Prison Officers.