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How to Become a Prison Officer: Australian Careers in Criminal Justice

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What is a Prison Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Prison Officer?

A prison officer, also known as a corrections officer, supervises inmates in prisons across Australia. They keep prisons safe, run rehab programs, and help inmates prepare for life after release.

Prison officers have many duties each day. They watch inmate behaviour, search for contraband, and oversee meals, work, and free time. They also patrol the prison and respond quickly to any security issues.

The role needs strong people skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Officers work closely with psychologists, social workers, and teachers to support rehab. This teamwork makes the job dynamic and meaningful.

Prison officers are a vital part of the justice system. They create the structure and safety that lets rehab happen. For those who want a career with purpose and real-world impact, this role delivers both.

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Career snapshots For Prison Officers

Prison officers are employed in one of Australia’s most stable public-sector roles. Around 19,800 people work in this occupation (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The large majority work for state and territory government corrections services.

Almost all prison officers work full-time, at 99%, averaging 43 hours per week. Median weekly earnings are $2,080 (ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). This is above the national all-occupations median of $1,852. The median age is 40, and 26% of the workforce is female (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Employment has eased slightly, with a projected decline of about 1,500 positions per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Ongoing demand from New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria means entry-level roles remain available. Employer-funded training and a clear career path make this a reliable and rewarding choice.

What will I do?

Prison officers keep prisons safe and well-run every day. They watch over inmates, enforce the rules, and back rehabilitation. It is a role that demands focus, fairness, and resilience.

  • Observing prisoner conduct – Monitoring inmate behaviour to prevent disturbances and escapes.
  • Maintaining security – Checking locks, window bars, grilles, doors, and gates.
  • Supervising activities – Overseeing prisoners during work, recreation, sport, and meals.
  • Running programs – Helping to run education, rehabilitation, and other programs for prisoners.
  • Conducting searches – Searching inmates and cells for weapons, drugs, and contraband.
  • Patrolling areas – Patrolling assigned areas and reporting rule breaches or behaviour concerns.
  • Requisitioning items – Managing requests for clothing, toiletries, reading materials, and approved items.
  • Transporting inmates – Supervising prisoners in transit between courts, prisons, and other facilities.

What skills do I need?

Prison officers need a blend of practical skills and personal strengths. Good people skills are key. Officers must speak clearly with inmates, peers, and outside agencies while staying firm and respectful.

Physical fitness matters too. The role can involve handling tough spots and responding to emergencies. Officers also need sharp eyes to notice issues before they become serious problems.

Being tough and resilient helps officers manage the stress of the role. Empathy matters when supporting inmates through rehab. Good problem-solving keeps things running when situations get difficult.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear and confident communication
  • Calm under pressure
  • Conflict resolution
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical fitness and stamina
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Integrity and ethical judgement
  • Rule enforcement and boundary-setting
  • Observation and monitoring
  • Adaptability
  • Knowledge of safety and security protocols
  • First aid and emergency response
  • Ability to work with diverse populations

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.