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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.

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.