- Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
- Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
- Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to
Prison officer Average UK Salary & Prospects
Prison officers supervise inmates in prisons, remand centres and young offenders' institutions.
Prison officers typically work around 37 to 39 hours per week.
As a Prison officer you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.
This occupation tends to be:
Average salary |
27,545 GBP * |
per year |

Salary statistics
Average salary for Prison officer
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29,381 GBP
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26,257 GBP
Average salary for part-time Prison officer
Average salary for full-time Prison officer
Showing:
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13,601 GBP
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13,475 GBP
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14,468 GBP
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27,545 GBP
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26,257 GBP
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29,381 GBP
Pay over time for Prison officer
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23,925 GBP
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24,568 GBP
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24,611 GBP
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25,792 GBP
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26,777 GBP
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27,545 GBP
Future outlook for Prison officers

Balanced outlook
188 000+ jobs available 
Balanced outlook
3% yearly wage growth (on average) Prison officer - Your future job?
Which qualifications do I need?
Find out what you need to know in order to become a Prison officer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.
What soft skills do I need?
Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Prison officer.
Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do

Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action

Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
What technical skills do I need?
Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Prison officer. Check that you know:
Things to highlight for your Prison officer interview
Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.